EU Considers Delaying Methane Emissions Rules Amid Energy Price Concerns

The European Union is considering delaying its methane emissions rules for oil and gas imports due to concerns over rising energy prices and tight supplies this winter. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said the bloc was looking at postponing the rules, which would require foreign oil and gas producers to monitor and report their methane emissions from January 1, 2027.

Jorgensen instructed his services to explore possibilities of a one-year delay, conditional on all member states being prepared to implement the law once the postponement expires. The proposed delay comes as roughly a dozen EU countries, including France, have asked for the law to be paused or rolled back, citing legal risks and supply chain disruptions.

Meanwhile, International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol said that IEA member states may discuss releasing more strategic oil reserves on the market if needed. However, he noted that additional releases are currently not a priority, as countries have so far released 20% of their total stocks, leaving 80% remaining.