US, Qatar press EU to ease methane rules over gas import risks
What's next: EU energy ministers are set to weigh the rules this week as some governments push to delay fines and loosen compliance.
The United States, Qatar and other gas exporters are pressing the European Union to soften pending methane emissions rules, arguing the measures could disrupt oil and gas supplies to the bloc. In a letter to European leaders, the countries urged a more pragmatic approach so importers can keep securing fuel as Europe grapples with high energy prices and looks to raise US gas purchases amid the Middle East conflict. The Czech Republic and Slovakia are leading a push for urgent changes before EU energy ministers meet later this week. Under the current regime, imports must align with the methane rules by 2027, and by 2030 shipments above a methane-intensity threshold could face penalties of up to 20% of annual turnover.