The United States has warned the European Union that liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies could be redirected away from Europe unless the bloc revises its stringent methane regulations, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has stated.
He told Bloomberg that without substantial reform of this methane rule, Europe will suffer greatly, which is entirely unnecessary, Caliber.Az reports.
According to the US energy secretary, the issue is not about escalation.
In his view, energy resources will continue to be supplied, but they will simply go elsewhere.
The warning comes amid the EU's reluctance to amend its environmental standards under pressure from the United States and other LNG exporters, experts say.
Under new EU methane emissions rules set to take effect in 2027, oil and gas companies will be required to measure, monitor and prevent methane leaks throughout the supply chain.
Starting next year, Brussels plans to stop signing contracts with importers that fail to comply with the environmental requirements.
By Bakhtiyar Abbasov
