EU to soften gas authorisation rules to help secure LNG supplies, diplomats say

The European Commission plans to relax the enforcement of gas import authorization rules to prevent delays in liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries during the current Iran-related energy crisis. Diplomats say new guidance will be issued before March 18, encouraging EU governments to apply the rules more flexibly while still maintaining the bloc’s plan to phase out Russian gas. Officials are concerned that strict enforcement of the rules could delay or redirect LNG shipments, making it harder for Europe to maintain sufficient gas supplies and storage ahead of next winter. The rules require companies importing LNG from certain non-Russian countries to prove the gas’s origin at least five days before arrival in the EU. The country most affected by the potential softening of these rules is Azerbaijan, which provided about 4% of EU gas imports last year. Major suppliers such as Norway and the United States are already exempt because the EU considers the risk of Russian gas entering their exports to be low. Europe’s gas industry has supported the move, warning that unclear or slow authorization procedures could leave LNG cargo stuck in ports, stranded at sea, or diverted to Asia, which would threaten Europe’s energy security.