France asks EU to delay methane rules and ease fuel standards to counter energy crunch

French proposals to ease energy regulations

French President Emmanuel Macron has asked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to postpone environmental regulations and ease fuel quality standards across the European Union. In a letter dated 18 September 2026, Macron called for a one-year delay to new methane reporting rules, shifting their implementation from 1 January 2027 to 1 January 2028. He also proposed relaxing technical fuel standards governing fuel density, vaporisation limits and desulphurisation. French refiners estimate that adjusting these technical specifications could increase domestic refinery output of diesel and kerosene by 5% to 20%. In addition, the French government suggested allowing distributors to replace B7 diesel, which contains up to 7% biodiesel, with B10 diesel, containing up to 10% biofuel. Macron also recommended expanding the European joint gas purchasing mechanism established in 2023 to include liquid hydrocarbons such as diesel and jet fuel.

Fuel market pressures and import exposure

The French initiative follows disruptions in international energy markets connected to conflict in the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and outages on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline have restricted global crude availability, reducing worldwide inventories by more than 500 million barrels. French estimates indicate that global crude deliveries could fall by at least 4 million barrels per day once existing Saudi stockpiles are exhausted. European economies remain reliant on Middle Eastern shipments, importing 36% of their kerosene and 18% of their diesel from the region. European natural gas prices have risen from 27 euros to 80 euros per megawatt-hour this year, while crude oil prices have moved above 100 dollars per barrel. Logistical companies operating in France have reported growing difficulties in securing deliveries for upcoming weeks.

European Commission response and technical review

European Commission spokeswoman Anna-Kaisa Itkonen confirmed that Brussels received the letter and is assessing the requests. The Commission previously advised member states in July to waive financial non-compliance penalties for methane reporting until the end of 2029, though it had kept the formal reporting schedule in place. Itkonen noted that the EU Gas Coordination Group will meet on Thursday to examine supply conditions across member states. The Commission also pointed to the EU Fuel Quality Directive, which allows Brussels to grant temporary quality exceptions without enacting new legislation. Member states are set to deliberate on fuel specifications during an upcoming meeting of the Oil Coordination Group in the coming weeks.

The situation remains extremely volatile. If we see any issues with security of supply, we are of course ready to consider further actions.

Environmental pushback and regulatory background

The EU methane regulation, adopted in 2024, requires importers of oil, gas and coal to measure, monitor and verify emissions associated with their supply chains to limit leaks of greenhouse gases. The regulations have faced criticism from fossil fuel importers and the United States government, who argue the rules could restrict energy shipments to Europe. Environmental groups have opposed the French proposal to delay reporting requirements, arguing that relaxing the standards will not resolve fuel affordability issues.

Delaying the methane law will not lower energy prices and will not improve energy security, but will create uncertainty.

Environmental organisations note that methane represents the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide. The European Commission has not yet indicated whether it will accept the French proposals, while French ministers prepare targeted domestic fuel support measures.