What does the IEA warn will happen to the EU's available pool of legally importable crude oil under the new methane rules?

The IEA warns that 'the pool of traded crudes that EU refiners can import legally will narrow by more than 50%', because some crude grades cannot easily be substituted and certain producers—such as those in Mexico and Venezuela, which supply heavy crude used in asphalt production—do not meet the EU’s methane standard (OGMP 2.0), and may instead sell into more profitable non-EU markets.

Why are several EU member states, including Germany, calling for a delay of the methane legislation?

More than half of the EU’s member states—including Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic—are calling for a delay due to concerns that the methane rules could disrupt energy supplies; the IEA has warned the restrictions could lead to higher input costs, use of sub-optimal crudes, and weakened energy security, while no EU country has yet established a verification body to enforce the rules, leaving companies unable to certify compliance.

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IEA warns EU methane law could limit bloc's oil supply options

Jul 14, 2026

The IEA warns EU methane regulations could narrow legally importable crude pools by over 50% by 2027, risking higher costs and energy security. Several member states are calling for delays as verification bodies remain unestablished.

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