EU considering changes to methane emissions regulation to boost LNG imports from US

The European Union is considering relaxing certain methane emissions regulations to increase purchases of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, aiming to avoid a trade war.

Report informs via Reuters that, according to a source within the European Commission, the proposed adjustments—which would not undermine the overall legislation on emissions—would give an advantage to US exporters.

However, the source declined to comment on the specific nature of the changes, only noting that the European Commission is in ongoing dialogue with industry stakeholders regarding community legislation.

Since the beginning of the year, Brussels has required oil and gas importers to monitor and report to European regulators the potential methane emissions associated with their energy imports.

US President Donald Trump previously announced plans to impose import tariffs of up to 10% on foreign goods, without making exceptions for allies, including the EU.