European Commission proposes delay to methane import rules, warns of "a very, very tough winter"
Brussels proposes that importers of oil, gas and coal comply with methane rules from early 2028 instead of 2027 to avoid extra pressure on supply amid high prices.
The European Commission warned on 14 October 2026 that the coming winter could be "a very, very tough winter," the Commission’s spokesperson Ana-Kaisa Itkonen said, citing high energy prices and a situation that is “very unstable and highly unpredictable.”
In response to the market strain, the Commission has proposed postponing the application of some climate rules that affect imported fossil fuels. Under the draft amendment, importers of oil, gas and coal would have to comply with the EU’s methane rules starting at the beginning of 2028 — one year later than originally planned.
What changes and why
The delay is framed as a temporary measure to avoid adding further pressure on supply security amid the current energy crisis. The Commission says the one-year shift aims to reduce the risk of disruptions that could arise from immediately applying stricter import obligations on top of volatile prices and constrained availability.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and a local air pollutant. The EU has had methane-reduction rules in force for the energy sector since 2024, including requirements for operators of oil and gas facilities to carry out routine inspections and to repair major leaks, and prohibitions on venting or open flaring in many circumstances.
Under existing plans, companies would from 1 January 2027 have been required, for certain supply contracts, to prove that producers in the country of origin monitor and document their methane emissions with the same level of detail and rigor expected of EU firms. The Commission’s proposal moves that obligation to the start of 2028.
The draft amendment is intended to ease immediate pressure on import-dependent markets while preserving the long-term goal of bringing imports in line with EU methane standards. The proposal must still pass through the Commission’s internal procedures and the EU legislative process before becoming binding.
Photo: press material from the event
