The energy ministers of the United States, Qatar, Nigeria, and Algeria have urged the European Union to delay and amend its upcoming methane emissions regulations, warning that the current rules could disrupt oil and natural gas supplies and drive up energy prices. The US Department of Energy, in a joint letter, argued that many exporters will be unable to meet the EU’s methane reporting and verification requirements by the 2027 deadline, creating legal uncertainty for long-term energy contracts.
The ministers called for a temporary pause in implementation, protection for existing contracts, and relief from penalties while compliance pathways are developed. While supporting efforts to reduce methane emissions, they warned that without changes, the regulations could threaten Europe’s energy security and reduce access to reliable energy supplies.
