EU fast-tracks one-year delay to methane rules for oil, gas and coal importers

The European Parliament has agreed to fast-track a one-year delay to the EU’s methane rules for importers. MEPs backed an urgency procedure in Strasbourg on Tuesday by a show of hands. As a result, the EU methane regulation delay could pass within days.

What the EU methane regulation delay covers

The European Commission proposed the change on 14 October. It would push back by one year the monitoring, reporting and verification duties for oil, gas and coal importers. In addition, it would delay the related methane-intensity rules for importers and EU producers. Even so, the Commission says the aim, scope and ambition of the 2024 regulation stay the same.

The main reason, however, is supply. The Strait of Hormuz carries about 20% of the world’s LNG and 25% of seaborne oil, the Commission notes. So Brussels wants to avoid any extra risk to imports this winter. “We need to be flexible and pragmatic,” Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said.

Next steps

First, MEPs can table amendments until midday on Wednesday. Then the vote takes place at midday on Thursday 22 October. After that, the Council must also agree.

However, not everyone supports the move. Greens MEP Jutta Paulus said she would vote against the urgency procedure. She urged other groups to resist pressure from “an administration that is telling us to change our regulations”.

For context on Europe’s winter, see our analysis of EU gas storage.

For a deeper analysis, read: EU Methane Regulation Delay: Why 2027 Cargoes Escape the Test, and What Does Not Change