The EU does not anticipate supply problems but warns that oil and gas prices could be very high

The European Union does not expect energy supply problems this winter, but warns that oil and gas prices could remain very high. European Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen made the statement on Tuesday at a meeting of energy ministers from the member states, held in Dublin, amid the crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.

Jorgensen said Europe is heading toward a difficult winter and noted that nearly 50 million Europeans still cannot heat their homes adequately during a normal season. European industry is also affected by high energy costs.

To ease pressure on the market, the commissioner proposed postponing by one year the regulation on methane emissions associated with oil and gas imports. The rules are due to apply from 2027, but implementation could be delayed until 2028 if the proposal is approved by the member states and the European Parliament.

The regulation requires importers to monitor and report methane emissions throughout the supply chain. French President Emmanuel Macron recently called for the same delay. The measure is supported by some fossil fuel-producing countries but opposed by environmental organizations, which argue that it would not reduce prices and would represent a setback for European climate policy.