The European Commission recommended that European Union countries delay penalties for three years on fossil fuel importers that fail to meet the bloc's regulation on reducing methane emissions.
In a Monday release, the commission said fines for noncompliance should be suspended from 2027 through 2029 to prevent supply disruptions. It also recommended simpler ways for importers to demonstrate their compliance with the regulation.
The emissions monitoring requirements for oil, gas and coal importers and suppliers are set to be implemented from Jan. 1, 2027.