French President Emmanuel Macron has urged the European Commission to temporarily ease some energy regulations as rising fuel and gas prices put pressure on households and businesses. In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Macron called for a one-year delay to new rules requiring oil and gas companies to report methane emissions, including potential fines for non-compliance.
He also proposed temporarily relaxing EU fuel-quality requirements and allowing greater use of biofuels in diesel. The measures come as the conflict in the Middle East has pushed oil prices close to their highest level since May, while European gas prices have risen sharply following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron is facing pressure over fuel costs in France but has limited room to reduce domestic fuel taxes. The methane rules are intended to curb emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, but have faced criticism from the US government and fossil fuel industry.
The European Commission had already advised member states to delay fines until the end of 2029, but Macron is seeking a formal one-year postponement.
via Politico
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