EU Considers One-Year Delay for Methane Emissions Rules on Imports

The European Union is planning to push back the implementation of its methane emissions rules for oil and gas imports by one year. The rules, originally set to take effect on January 1, 2027, would require foreign suppliers to monitor and report methane emissions. EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen announced this potential delay on Tuesday, emphasizing that it would not extend beyond one year despite some member states advocating for a longer postponement.

The EU’s methane law, the first of its kind worldwide, aims to address emissions of this potent greenhouse gas. However, political pressure has grown due to disruptions in global energy supplies, particularly following the Iran war. These disruptions have raised concerns about fuel availability in Europe this winter.

Jorgensen stated that the European Commission is exploring the possibility of postponing the rules related to imports. He emphasized that EU governments would need to ensure readiness to enforce the regulations once the delay ends. The Commission has not confirmed when it will propose changes to the law, though some officials expect this to happen next week. Any adjustments would require approval from both EU member states and the European Parliament.

French President Emmanuel Macron has supported a one-year delay, arguing that the rules could create legal risks for importers as energy supplies tighten. Around a dozen other EU countries, along with the US, Europe’s largest supplier of liquefied natural gas, have urged the bloc to pause or roll back the law. Some nations, including Czechia and Italy, have even called for a three-year delay. Supporters of postponement argue that companies are unprepared to comply and may divert LNG cargoes away from Europe to avoid penalties.