EU proposes delaying some methane rules for fuel imports until 2028

The European Commission proposed a one-year delay to some methane rules for fuel imports, moving their start to 2028.

The rules apply to importers of oil, gas and coal, and require them to measure, report and verify methane emissions.

The EU approved the regulation in 2024, and the affected obligations were due to begin in January 2027.

The Commission says the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has cut global fuel supplies and pushed up prices, increasing the risk of a difficult winter for Europe.

Methane is a powerful climate pollutant, so delaying the rules has raised concerns among environmental groups, while the Commission says the change does not weaken the regulation's climate goals.

The proposal still needs approval from EU member states and the European Parliament.