The European Union’s Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 on methane emissions in the energy sector entered into force on 4 August 2024. It mandates that crude oil importers provide detailed methane emissions data—at extraction and transport sources—verified by independent third parties, and enforce measures such as leak detection and repair (LDAR), bans on routine flaring and venting, and strict transparency on imports EUR-Lex+1Energy.
Starting 2030, the EU will impose maximum methane intensity limits on crude oil imports; non-compliant importers may face financial penalties.
Since 2027, new import contracts must originate from foreign producers adhering to methane reporting standards equivalent to the EU’s Reuters.
The law targets enhanced transparency and climate integrity across supply chains. Industry voices warn of monitoring complexity. Equinor noted this applies even to benchmark grades like WTI and Brent, complicating compliance across blended sources Reuters.
EU officials reaffirmed the regulation remains unchanged despite trade pressures; flexibility exists only in reporting methods, not in core requirements Reuters.