EU Methane Regulation: one-year deferral of certain obligations for fossil fuel importers

The European Commission has proposed postponing the implementation of certain obligations under the EU Methane Regulation - which apply to importers of oil, natural gas and coal - by one year, it announced on 14 October 2026.

It aims to ease the pressure on industry and national administrations, against a backdrop of high energy prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East, and to prevent any further strain on security of supply.

“With a difficult winter ahead in terms of energy prices, we must show flexibility and pragmatism in implementing our rules. The priority now is to protect European citizens from price volatility,” said Dan Jorgensen, Commissioner for Energy.

On the sidelines of the informal meeting of European energy ministers in Dublin on 29 September 2026, he indicated that…