A possible postponement is on the table regarding EU methane regulations for imported energy carriers. France has proposed shifting key requirements for importers by one year to January 1, 2028. The EU Commission is reviewing the request but has not yet decided on a postponement.
According to the current timeline, importers must demonstrate from January 1, 2027 that oil, gas, and coal were produced under methane measurement, reporting, and verification rules that comply with EU requirements. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and can escape during extraction, processing, and transport.
For LNG and gas importers, the matter involves data from the entire supply chain. A European terminal cannot generate the information alone. Producers, traders, ship parties, and buyers must bring together origin and emissions data.
A postponement would provide more preparation time, but would not fundamentally eliminate the obligation. As long as no new legal act is published, companies should continue working with the existing deadline. Political discussion is not a deadline extension.
Missing or delayed data could later complicate contract performance and acceptance of delivery. Responsibilities therefore need to be included in purchase and transport contracts now.