EU Commission Proposes Relaxing Rules on Energy Trading Margins

Bank guarantees may be allowed as margin-call collateral
Clearing threshold for commodities could rise to €4 billion

Customers dine at restaurant outdoor terraces at night in Strasbourg, France, on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. The European Commission unveiled an energy intervention plan that it said could raise more than 140 billion euros ($140 billion) for consumers by capping revenues from low-cost producers.Photographer: Benjamin Girette/Bloomberg

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By Archie Hunter and Jorge Valero

September 14, 2022 at 12:30 PM UTC

Updated on

September 14, 2022 at 2:23 PM UTC

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The European Commission aims to introduce a raft of regulatory changes to alleviate the liquidity squeeze in the energy sector, as the bloc ramps up support to industries and consumers affected by Russia’s throttling of gas supplies.

Measures proposed by the commission include raising the clearing threshold for commodities and other derivatives to 4 billion euros ($4 billion) and allowing bank guarantees to be accepted as collateral against margin calls, according to a policy document.