Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Europe Weighs Delay to Methane Rules Amid Energy Fears
The European Union has created rules to reduce methane from imported oil and gas.
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that warms the planet.
The rules would make suppliers measure and report their methane emissions from January 2027.
Companies could receive large fines if they do not follow the rules.
Some governments and energy companies want the start date moved back.
They worry suppliers might stop sending fuel to Europe when energy supplies are already tight.
Environmental groups say there may be enough gas that can meet the monitoring requirements.
The European Commission may propose a delay, but EU countries and the European Parliament must approve it.
The EU methane law is due to begin in January 2027, requiring foreign oil and gas suppliers to monitor and report emissions.
Importers could face fines of up to 20% of annual turnover, while emissions limits are scheduled for 2030.
France, the United States, energy companies and more than a dozen EU members have urged a delay over energy-security concerns.
Supporters of postponement say suppliers may avoid European deliveries, while environmental groups say compliant gas volumes are available.
A possible delay to January 2028 must be proposed by the European Commission and approved by EU countries and Parliament.
- Who
- The European Commission, EU member states, foreign oil and gas suppliers, the United States, France and environmental groups are involved.
- What
- The EU is considering postponing methane-monitoring and reporting rules for imported oil and gas.
- When
- The rules are due to start in January 2027, with import limits scheduled for 2030; a delay to January 2028 is being considered. The article was published September 29, 2026.
- Where
- The rules apply to oil and gas imported into the European Union.
- Why
- Supporters of a delay cite energy-security risks, tight fuel supplies, supplier readiness and possible legal or financial problems for importers.
Delay supporters
Methane-rule supporters
Energy security
Delay supporters
France, the United States, several EU governments and industry representatives say the rules could discourage suppliers from sending fuel to Europe and worsen pressure on tight energy supplies.
Methane-rule supporters
Environmental advocates say research identified ample gas volumes that could meet the EU's methane-monitoring requirements, although verification would still be needed.
Industry readiness
Delay supporters
Supporters of postponement say companies are not ready to comply, and a delay would give importers time to arrange emissions verification and sign gas-delivery contracts.
Methane-rule supporters
The rules' supporters maintain that monitoring and verification requirements should proceed to reduce methane emissions from imported fossil fuels.
Climate and enforcement
Delay supporters
EU officials proposed waiving fines for companies that breach the rules, but governments and industry groups continued to seek a delay because of legal and commercial risks.
Methane-rule supporters
The law's purpose is to curb methane, a potent greenhouse gas, through reporting requirements and a future emissions limit for imported oil and gas.
- Start date
- January 2027
- Planned import limit
- 2030
- Potential fine
- Up to 20% of a company's annual turnover
- Possible revised start date
- January 2028
- Methane significance
- Methane is the second-biggest cause of climate change after carbon dioxide and has greater heat-trapping potential, though it breaks down faster.
- Political pressure
- More than a dozen EU members, including Germany, have requested a delay or suspension.
- Approval process
- Any changes must be negotiated and approved by EU countries and the European Parliament.