EU proposes delaying methane rules for oil and gas imports

Concerns over Europe’s energy supplies have prompted the European Commission to seek a one-year postponement of new environmental requirements for foreign fuel suppliers, Reuters reported.

The rules, originally scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027, would require companies supplying oil and gas to the European Union to monitor and report methane emissions.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and the second-largest contributor to climate change after carbon dioxide.

Under the proposed changes, importers would have until May 31, 2029, to demonstrate that their 2028 imports complied with EU methane monitoring and reporting requirements.

Suppliers outside the EU would be responsible for providing the necessary emissions information.

“This one-year postponement of the import-related rules is designed to help avoid further pressure on the security of supply of imported fossil fuels in the current geopolitical context,” the Commission said in a statement.

The proposal follows pressure from the U.S. and France, which have raised concerns about possible disruptions to Europe’s energy supplies.

The war in Iran has already affected global energy markets, increasing uncertainty about fuel availability ahead of winter.

In June, the U.S., Europe’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas, warned that the regulations could interfere with deliveries.

French President Emmanuel Macron also raised concerns in September, writing to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about potential legal risks for European importers.

Supporters of the delay argue that foreign suppliers are not prepared to meet the requirements and could avoid the European market rather than risk financial penalties.

The postponement still requires approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.