European Commission considers one-year delay for methane import rules

methane regulations energy crisis fossil fuel imports emissions monitoring EU energy policy

The European Commission is considering a one-year delay for its methane emission regulations regarding oil, natural gas, and coal imports. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the potential flexibility in Strasbourg, stating that the move aims to reduce additional costs for businesses and households during the current energy crisis.

The current regulations, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, require importers to prove that methane emissions from their supply chains are monitored, reported, and independently verified to EU standards. However, major energy suppliers, including the United States and Qatar, have criticized these requirements as impractical and potentially disruptive to energy security.

Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen confirmed that the Directorate-General for Energy is examining the possibility of postponing the import-related provisions to ensure sufficient energy supply and prevent price spikes. This consideration comes amid high energy market volatility, with Brent oil prices exceeding 100 dollars per barrel and European natural gas prices surpassing 75 euros per MWh. The Commission noted that gas reserves remain below the five-year average as the region prepares for a difficult winter.

Entities

Anna Kaiza Itkonen · Anna-Kaisa Itkonen · Dan Jorgensen · Dan Jørgensen · European Commission · European Parliament · G7 · Qatar · United States · Ursula von der Leyen

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 13 SOURCES] The European Commission is considering a one-year delay for methane emission regulations on oil and gas imports. www.lykavitos.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.sigmalive.com · enerjihaber.com · oilprice.com · +8 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Brent oil prices have moved above 100 dollars per barrel. www.lykavitos.gr
[● 7 SOURCES] The Directorate-General for Energy is examining the possibility of granting more time for the implementation of import regulations. www.iefimerida.gr · www.sigmalive.com · enerjihaber.com · www.lykavitos.gr · www.kurierverlag.de · +2 more
[● 12 SOURCES] The new requirements for importers of crude oil, natural gas, and coal are currently scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. www.lykavitos.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.sigmalive.com · enerjihaber.com · oilprice.com · +7 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] European natural gas reserves remain below the five-year average for this period. www.lykavitos.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] European natural gas prices have exceeded 75 euros per MWh. www.lykavitos.gr
[● 13 SOURCES] The EU is facing a difficult winter regarding energy prices. enerjihaber.com · www.lykavitos.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · www.sigmalive.com · www.upday.com · +8 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Major suppliers, including the U.S. and Qatar, have criticized the methane rules as impractical. oilprice.com