Methane emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). The agency's Global Methane Tracker 2026 report reveals that the fossil fuel sector accounts for around 35% of methane emissions from human activity, with no sign of decline globally.
The report states that methane emissions from oil, gas, and coal production totaled 124 million tonnes (Mt) a year, with oil being the largest source at 45 Mt, followed by coal at 43 Mt, and natural gas at 36 Mt.
The IEA notes that methane is a potent greenhouse gas, absorbing much more energy while it exists in the atmosphere, and has a much shorter atmospheric lifetime than CO2 (around 12 years compared with centuries for CO2).
Many countries and companies have announced efforts to reduce methane emissions, with commitments to reduce methane now covering over half of global oil and gas production. However, the IEA says that tackling methane could help countries improve gas market security, a priority following the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The IEA estimates that over 85 Mt of emissions tied to fossil fuel operations in 2025 came from the 10 biggest emitters, with China being the largest emitter, driven by coal operations.
The agency notes that the most cost-effective options available for reducing emissions include leak detection and repair (LDAR), which replaces pumps and other methane-emitting equipment with electric devices.
In South and Southeast Asia, the fossil fuel sector emitted around 13 million tonnes (Mt) of methane in 2025, with over 60% of this originating from coal mines.
