Oil and gas leaks, along with uncontrolled energy releases, can easily trigger work safety incidents. Strengthening the visual monitoring and early warning foe oil and gas leakage is of great significance for eliminating accident risks, consolidating the foundation of safety production, and improving management efficiency. The basic theories and principles of passive Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy gas cloud imaging technology are firstly introduced in this paper, and then the research progress of typical products as well as the application of gas leakage imaging monitoring in the petrochemical industry both at home and abroad are reviewed and summarized. Finally, from the perspectives of standard systems, key technologies, and operational management, prospects for further promoting the application of passive FTIR spectroscopy gas cloud imaging technology in the petrochemical industry are proposed.