The European Commission has delayed the implementation of methane emissions rules for oil and gas imports, citing concerns over energy shortages and security. The rules, which were initially set to take effect in 2027, will now be implemented in 2028.
What happened
The delay is a result of recent changes to the global energy market, with the commission stating that shortages of gas and oil could affect the EU's competitiveness and security. The United States, Qatar, Nigeria, and Algeria had warned the EU that the methane law could disrupt fuel deliveries, a stance backed by ExxonMobil and other companies.
The European Commission indicated that the delay would prevent pressures on the security of supply of imported fossil fuels in the current geopolitical context. The rules will require foreign oil and gas suppliers to the European Union to monitor and report methane emissions, with importers having until May 31, 2029, to prove compliance.
The commission reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to reducing methane emissions, stating that methane is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after carbon dioxide. The Methane Regulation, adopted by the EU in 2024, is the world's first comprehensive legislation regulating methane emissions relating to imports of oil, gas, and coal.
