Birol: IEA Members Weigh Further Oil Reserve Release

Member countries of the International Energy Agency are considering releasing more strategic oil reserves onto the market as European governments grow increasingly concerned about rising energy prices and winter supply shortages.

The prospect of a further release was outlined by Birol, with reserve stocks emerging as a possible way to address pressure on supplies. No decision to release additional oil was indicated.

Separately, the European Union is studying whether to postpone methane emissions rules covering oil and gas imports. The potential delay remains under consideration rather than an agreed policy change.

The two measures reflect mounting concern over energy availability and costs during the winter. While one would bring additional oil to the market and the other would delay import-related emissions requirements, both are being weighed against a backdrop of supply uncertainty.