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The European Commission is considering giving energy importers an extra year to comply with methane rules, spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said at a daily press briefing in Brussels. The possible delay comes amid persistent strains in global oil and gas markets and concerns over winter energy prices.

Itkonen said the EU remained committed to cutting methane emissions and was not abandoning its regulatory framework. Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen had heard concerns from member states and industry about difficulties implementing the import obligations, she said. The relevant Commission department is examining whether to allow another year. She also welcomed G7 leaders' October 2 pledge to release emergency stocks, saying protecting households and businesses from price shocks was a priority.

The regulation aims to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector and covers fossil fuels produced within the EU as well as imported oil, natural gas and coal. Under the current timetable, importers must demonstrate from January 1, 2027, that methane emissions from producing fuels covered by the relevant contracts are monitored, reported and independently verified to standards equivalent to EU requirements.

Key Takeaways

• The Commission is examining a one-year extension for compliance with import provisions.
• Itkonen said the EU remained committed to its methane-reduction goals.
• Current rules require equivalent emissions monitoring and verification from January 1, 2027.