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

The European Union is considering a one-year delay for implementing methane emissions rules on oil and gas imports, but no longer than that despite some member states pushing for a more extended pause. The rules, set to take effect on January 1, 2027, would require foreign suppliers to monitor and report methane emissions, a significant greenhouse gas. EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen announced this potential delay, emphasizing that the postponement should not exceed one year.

Several EU countries, including France, have urged for a delay, arguing that the current energy supply constraints could create legal risks for importers. French President Emmanuel Macron and around a dozen other EU nations, along with the US, have called for either pausing or rolling back the law. Some countries, like Czechia and Italy, have even requested a three-year delay.

Supporters of the delay argue that companies are unprepared to comply with the new regulations, which could lead to diverting liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments away from Europe to avoid penalties. However, some EU officials have noted the difficulty in assessing whether the rules are affecting oil and gas contracts due to the lack of public details about these agreements.

The European Commission has not confirmed when it will propose changes to the law, but some officials expect this to happen next week. Any modifications would need approval from both EU member states and the European Parliament before they can take effect.