EU Mulls Suspending Fines For Methane Emissions During Energy Crises – Reports

MOSCOW, May 7 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- The European Commission is mulling suspending fines for methane emissions during energy crises, the Financial Times reported, citing an internal EU draft guidance that will take effect in January 2027, according to Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

This move comes amid strong pressure from the United States and the intention of the fossil fuel industry to weaken rules on greenhouse gas leaks, the report said on Wednesday.

The European Commission fears that fines for methane leaks and flaring could worsen supply security and threaten continuity of supply during crises, the daily reported. Penalties reportedly could be reinstated once the threat to supply security disappears, yet, the Commission did not specify a timeframe for possible suspension.

In March, Bloomberg reported that the US criticised EU rules limiting methane emissions for oil and gas imports, saying that amid supply disruptions, Brussels cannot afford overly strict regulation.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI