EU plans to delay methane rule implementation

The European Union plans to delay implementation of its methane regulation, which critics say could raise oil and gas prices, ERR reports. EU energy ministers also discussed the possibility that the United States could restrict diesel exports.

The regulation would require companies supplying oil and natural gas to the EU to monitor and verify their methane emissions, as EU-based companies must do. Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, European Commission Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said, but applying the rules to imports is proving difficult.

Critics warn the requirements could push up prices and make suppliers reluctant to sign gas contracts if they fear they will not meet EU rules from the start of next year. With a difficult winter approaching, Jørgensen said, several member states had urged the EU to address sources of uncertainty.

Delaying the regulation would require approval from the European Parliament. Some countries are concerned that reopening the law could lead to its requirements being weakened. Spain opposes both reopening and postponing the rules, said its Minister for Ecological Transition, Sara Aagesen.

Ministers meeting in Dublin also discussed US President Donald Trump’s statement that he was considering a 90-day ban on diesel exports. Ireland’s Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien said the proposal did not appear likely based on his discussions with people close to the US administration.