Methane Management Roadmap for Oil and Gas in ASEAN

Summary

Methane has risen to prominence as the second-largest greenhouse gas (GHG) contributing to global warming, with a global warming potential 84 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. As several key oil and gas producers are located within the region, ASEAN emitted an estimated 0.32 million tonnes (Mt) of methane in 2023—equivalent to the effect of 9 Mt of carbon dioxide. To mitigate this impact, ASEAN must adopt targeted and coordinated strategies to monitor, manage, and reduce methane emissions across its energy sector.

This report was developed to outline strategies for reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas sector across ASEAN Member States, focusing on four key areas: enhanced monitoring, standardised reporting, certification programmes, and cost-effective abatement strategies. With major emitters including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, the roadmap supports ASEAN’s climate goals by proposing clear and practical actions for operators and policymakers to strengthen mitigation efforts and foster a more sustainable, low-emission, and economically resilient energy system.