This article examines the problem of associated gas management during the initial development of the field. Various associated gas management options - flaring, underground injection of production, synthetic fuel production, use in power plants, non-material processing and storage methods are evaluated. Associated gas contains methane, the main component of natural gas, as well as other hydrocarbons (ethane, propane, butane, pentane, etc.). This gas is considered a by-product of oil production. The article describes the annual recovery of associated gas by flaring, both in the world and in Azerbaijan. It is concluded that flaring is considered harmful due to its environmental impacts and technical risks. Associated gas flaring can be divided into two groups for various reasons and, based on these, into two groups: technical (hard) and management (soft) reasons. On the other hand, gas flaring releases significant pollutants into the atmosphere. Associated gas flaring harms the environment, contributes to the efficiency of emissions, harms the health of the population, the country's economy, that is, valuable raw materials and energy resources are simply wasted. In recent years, technological and economic opportunities for the efficient use of associated gas have expanded. One of these areas is the use of associated gas in electricity generation. This approach contributes to both energy security and reduces emissions. However, the variable composition of the gas, making it suitable for energy production, requires additional costs. Significant progress has been made in the field of converting associated gas into synthetic fuels. This process is of great importance both in terms of reducing emissions and creating alternative energy sources. However, this method also has some difficulties. Thus, depending on the prices of oil and natural gas, the cost of synthetic fuel can sometimes be higher. Another method of using associated gas, underground injection to increase oil production, was not considered feasible due to high infrastructure requirements and the risk of reservoir integrity damage. The most competitive solution was identified as the temporary storage of associated gas in an undeveloped gas field for future development. This approach, in addition to effective management of associated gas, also supports gas production and integrated oil and gas development in the future. The proposed solution was shown to be in line with the principles of sustainable development from an economic and environmental perspective.