Brussels plans to relax rules on gas imports into the EU

The European Commission plans to call on member states to apply EU rules on gas imports more flexibly. According to diplomatic sources, the move reflects concerns that strict enforcement could disrupt supplies of liquefied natural gas at a time of tension on energy markets linked to the conflict with Iran.

The Commission intends to issue guidelines by 18 March on the application of rules governing the planned phase-out of Russian gas imports to the European Union.

The aim is to ensure that measures against Russian gas do not inadvertently block LNG supplies to Europe at a moment of heightened risk on energy markets. However, diplomats say the guidelines are not intended to alter the EU’s plan to eliminate Russian gas imports.

According to EU officials, the conflict with Iran is disrupting global LNG flows and increasing the risk that some cargoes may be diverted to other markets. Under current rules, LNG supplies from certain countries outside Russia must obtain prior authorisation. Companies must prove the origin of the gas to customs authorities at least five days before its arrival.

Diplomats say a relaxation of the rules could particularly affect Azerbaijan, which last year accounted for about four per cent of gas imports to the European Union.

(reuters, max)