EU Delays Methane Rules, Opens Refinery Talks as Energy Crisis Deepens

The European Commission has confirmed a one-year delay to methane regulation compliance for energy exporters and initiated talks with refineries to address record fuel prices, signaling a policy shift prioritizing energy affordability and supply security. This reversal comes amid a deepening energy crisis, with the Commission warning of a 'very difficult winter' for energy prices. Germany's slow natural gas reserve refill further exacerbates potential winter supply risks and inflationary pressures.