EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSES DELAY TO METHANE REPORTING RULES

The European Commission has proposed delaying some methane reporting rules for fossil fuel importers by one year. The proposed amendment covers importers of natural gas, oil and coal under the European Union’s Methane Regulation. It would postpone their monitoring, reporting and verification obligations, as well as methane-intensity reporting requirements for importers and EU producers. The proposal still requires adoption by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

The Commission said high energy prices and concerns about supply prompted the proposal. It linked those concerns to the conflict in the Middle East, which it said had put further strain on global energy markets. The Commission said the delay would give importers more time to comply and help avoid further pressure on supplies of imported fossil fuels. The EU adopted the Methane Regulation in 2024, introducing requirements in phases to increase transparency about methane emissions.

The regulation covers domestic energy production, transport and processing, alongside imports of oil, gas and coal. The Commission said the amendment would leave the regulation’s overall ambition, integrity and scope intact. It reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to reducing methane emissions while seeking more time for importers to meet the requirements. According to the Commission, methane is the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions after carbon dioxide.