According to the lastest General Electric study 5% of the world natural gas is being wasted because of inefficient management. Gas companies around the world are wasting this natural resource by falring (burning) it. 5% many not seem to be much at first glance but this is enough to supply 30% of the consumption demand of the EU and 25% of the US equaling $20 billion. The technology to prevent this exists today but its not being used by most rafineries.

The report can be downloaded here:
http://www.genewscenter.com/Resource-Library/GE-Energy-Flare-Gas-Reducti...