Preamble: 1

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 213 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas the establishment of a common energy policy is one of the objectives which the Community has set itself; whereas it is for the Commission to propose the measures to be taken to that end;

Whereas security of supply at stable prices is one of the main objectives of that policy;

Whereas market transparency is desirable;

Whereas, in view of the supply situation and in order to stabilize the Community market and ensure that abnormal world market fluctuations do not have an unfavourable impact on the Community market, the Member States and the Commission should be informed, at regular intervals, about crude oil supply costs;

Whereas, by means of Regulation (EEC) No 1893/79 (1), the Council introduced arrangements for the registration of crude oil imports in the Community;

Whereas, by means of Regulation (EEC) No 2592/79 (2), the Council laid down rules for carrying out the registration of crude oil imports in the community provided for in Regulation (EEC) No 1893/79;

Whereas since those Regulations expired on 31 December 1991 the rules that they laid down should be reintroduced, while adapting them to the trading conditions prevailing on international oil markets and the objective of maintaining or improving environmental quality; whereas the reporting requirements should be aligned, as far as possible on the requirements of the national authorities and of the International Energy Agency,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: