Finance
EU Softens Gas Authorisation Rules to Secure Supplies During Iran Crisis
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 18, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 18, 2026
Quick Summary
The European Commission has eased customs rules to allow 12–24‑hour approval for non‑Russian gas imports and use of a single document for multiple LNG cargoes, ensuring swift deliveries amid disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz closure.
EU Eases Gas Import Regulations to Safeguard Energy During Iran Crisis
European Commission Implements Flexible Gas Import Rules Amid Iran Crisis
Background and Context
BRUSSELS, March 18 (Reuters) - The European Commission instructed governments on Wednesday to be flexible in enforcing EU rules on gas imports, in a move designed to ensure the law enforcing its Russia phase-out does not inadvertently hold up deliveries needed to stabilise supplies during the Iran crisis.
Key Provisions of the New Guidance
Expedited Approval Process
EU customs authorities should approve non-Russian gas imports within 12-24 hours of a company requesting authorisation, during the ongoing disruption to global gas markets caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Commission guidance said.
Simplified Documentation and Exemptions
Single Document for Multiple Cargoes
The simpler rules would allow companies to use one single document to authorise multiple cargoes under the same gas supply contract, and would exempt companies from needing a new authorisation if their liquefied natural gas cargoes are rerouted because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Scope and Limitations
The rules would apply to non-Russian gas imports, and would not amend the bloc's phase-out of Russian gas. The planned changes were previously reported by Reuters.
Reporting and Editorial Information
(Reporting by Kate Abnett; editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
Key Takeaways
- •EU accelerates non‑Russian gas authorisations to within 12–24 hours to avoid supply delays
- •One authorisation document can now cover multiple LNG cargoes under the same contract, easing administrative burden
- •Rerouted LNG shipments due to the Strait of Hormuz closure no longer require new approvals, bolstering supply resilience amid energy market stress
Frequently Asked Questions about EU softens gas authorisation rules to secure supplies during Iran crisis
1Why has the EU softened its gas authorisation rules?
The EU relaxed its gas import rules to ensure uninterrupted non-Russian gas supplies during the Iran crisis and disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz closure.
2How quickly must EU customs approve non-Russian gas imports during the crisis?
EU customs authorities are instructed to approve non-Russian gas imports within 12-24 hours of receiving an authorisation request.
3Do the new rules affect the EU's Russian gas phase-out?
No, the new authorisation rules do not amend or impact the EU's ongoing phase-out of Russian gas.
4What documentation changes are being introduced for gas imports?
Companies can use a single document for multiple cargoes under the same contract and are exempted from new authorisation if cargoes are rerouted due to the Strait of Hormuz closure.