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

The European Union is planning to postpone methane emissions rules for oil and gas imports by one year, according to EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen. The rules, originally set to begin on January 1, 2027, would require foreign suppliers to monitor and report methane emissions, a significant greenhouse gas. Jorgensen announced that the European Commission is considering this delay, but it will not exceed one year despite requests from some member states for a longer extension.

Jorgensen stated that the EU governments would need to ensure they are prepared to enforce the rules once the delay ends. The Commission has not confirmed when it will propose changes to the law, although some EU officials expect this to happen next week. Any changes would require approval from both EU member states and the European Parliament.

French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for a one-year delay, citing potential 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 countries, including Czechia and Italy, have even called for a three-year delay.

Supporters of a postponement argue that companies are not ready to comply and could divert LNG cargoes away from Europe to avoid penalties. However, some EU officials noted that it has been difficult to assess whether the rules are affecting oil and gas contracts due to the lack of public details about those agreements.