Emmanuel Macron urges the EU to relax energy and climate regulations to mitigate the rise in fuel prices

French President Emmanuel Macron has asked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to temporarily relax fuel regulations and delay by one year the application of sanctions for methane emissions, amid the sharp rise in energy prices across Europe.

In a letter sent last Friday and seen by POLITICO, Macron argues that the measures could quickly strengthen Europe’s import and production capacity. He explicitly proposes postponing rules requiring oil and gas companies to report their methane emissions, as well as temporarily amending fuel-quality standards.

The French president also wants a larger proportion of biofuels to be permitted in diesel. European methane rules, designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, have been criticized by the United States and the fossil-fuel industry, which warn that they could affect imports and energy security.

The appeal comes after the conflict in the Middle East pushed oil and gas prices to high levels. Macron is facing domestic pressure and the risk of protests, while France has limited fiscal room to reduce fuel taxes. The government is already providing subsidies to affected sectors and preparing additional measures.

France will also host a G7 meeting focused on rising fuel prices and the effects of the regional crisis. Macron has so far ruled out a general tax cut in order to protect budget revenues.