The European Commission plans to introduce flexibilities to methane import rules for fossil fuels, aiming to avoid disruptions in gas supplies across the EU. The move comes as European governments seek additional energy security following the US-Iran conflict.
Ditte Juul Jørgensen, director-general for energy at the Commission, said the adjustments would allow importers to demonstrate compliance at a national production level rather than tracing methane emissions “back to the well.” Penalties for non-compliance, potentially reaching 20% of annual turnover, would also be moderated to prevent delays or diversion of gas shipments.
Key developments:
• EU methane rules, adopted in 2024, will extend to imported fossil fuels from January 2027.
• Germany, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Slovenia supported a more pragmatic approach; Hungary called for a pause and rework.
• Industry reports indicate only 7% of global oil and gas production currently meets EU reporting standards.
• Compliant gas supply is projected to exceed EU demand in 2027, according to Rystad Energy analysis.
The Commission emphasised that the measures are designed for both immediate energy security and long-term climate compliance.
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