The European Commission is considering measures that could allow oil and gas companies to avoid penalties under the European Union’s methane emissions law during periods of energy supply instability.
According to a draft document seen by Reuters, EU member states may be given flexibility to delay or suspend sanctions if enforcing the rules threatens energy security or disrupts fuel imports.
The move follows mounting pressure from industry groups and the United States government, which have warned that stricter methane regulations due to take effect in 2027 could affect global gas supplies to Europe.
Under the EU law, imported gas must meet monitoring and verification standards equivalent to those applied within Europe, with penalties for non-compliance reaching up to 20 percent of a company’s annual turnover.
Industry stakeholders argue that the regulations could strain energy imports at a time when Europe is already grappling with rising oil and gas prices linked to tensions involving Iran and instability in global energy markets.
Environmental groups, however, have criticised the proposal, warning that weaker enforcement could undermine global efforts to reduce methane emissions, one of the leading contributors to climate change after carbon dioxide.
The European Commission has not officially commented on the draft guidance, which would not change the law itself but would provide national authorities with greater discretion in how penalties are applied.