Brussels moves to protect gas supplies with faster import rules

The European Commission has instructed member states to apply greater flexibility in enforcing European Union rules on gas imports, aiming to prevent regulatory delays from disrupting energy supplies during the ongoing Iran-related crisis, as per the latest report by Reuters.

According to guidance issued on Wednesday, March 18, EU customs authorities are expected to approve imports of non-Russian gas within 12 to 24 hours after companies submit authorisation requests. The measure is intended to ensure stable supply flows amid continued disruption to global gas markets caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The revised approach simplifies administrative procedures by allowing companies to use a single document to authorise multiple gas cargoes under the same supply contract. It also removes the requirement for a new authorisation if liquefied natural gas shipments are rerouted due to the Strait’s closure.

The updated rules apply exclusively to non-Russian gas imports and do not alter the European Union’s broader policy of phasing out Russian gas.

By Tamilla Hasanova