Concentration of methane in the atmosphere is rising rapidly
Tackling methane a ‘no-brainer’ for oil and gas industry, says IEA’s McGlade
Cutting emissions of the potent greenhouse gas is beneficial not just for the climate but also for companies’ bottom lines and their social licences to operate
Reducing methane emissions seems a win-win for the oil and gas industry. Rather than being seen as a costly headache, approaches and attitudes are shifting given the potential to save money and cut wasted energy. It is also coming on to the radar more after having been something of a blind spot due to the attention given to decarbonisation and the lack of appreciation as to how the two issues fit together. Petroleum Economist spoke to the IEA’s methane specialist, Christophe McGlade, in an exclusive interview on the trajectory of the methane challenge and where we go from here. Christophe McGlade, IEA methane specialist Do you think met
Also in this section
5 March 2026
Gas is a central pillar of Colombia’s energy system, but declining production poses a significant challenge, and LNG will be increasingly needed as a stopgap. A recent major offshore gas discovery offers hope, but policy improvements are also required, Camilo Morales, secretary general of Naturgas, the Colombian gas association, tells Petroleum Economist
4 March 2026
The continent’s inventories were already depleted before conflict erupted in the Middle East, causing prices to spike ahead of the crucial summer refilling season
4 March 2026
The US president has repeatedly promised to lower gasoline prices, but this ambition conflicts with his parallel aim to increase drilling and could be upended by his war against Iran
4 March 2026
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed following US-Israel strikes and Iran’s retaliatory escalation, Fujairah has become the region’s critical pressure release valve—and is now under serious threat
