EU Parliament backs three-year delay to methane rules for fossil fuel importers

The European Parliament voted on Thursday to delay methane monitoring and reporting rules for oil, gas and coal importers by three years, two more than the European Commission proposed, setting its position for negotiations on the law.

Parliament adopted its position by 341 votes in favour, 225 against and 6 abstentions. Under its proposal, importers would have until May 31, 2031, to show that supply contracts concluded or renewed since Aug 4, 2024 cover only fuel subject to monitoring, reporting and verification measures equivalent to EU rules. EU producers and importers would first report the methane intensity of fuels they place on the EU market by Aug 5, 2031, not Aug 5, 2029.

The existing schedule would continue to apply to oil, gas and coal from countries under EU sanctions that prohibit or restrict such imports, according to Parliament. It also wants the Commission to report by July 1, 2029 on implementation and security of supply. Parliament said it is now ready to start negotiations with the Council on the final shape of the law.