If, as a result of exceptional events, a sudden change in the supply of crude oils or petroleum products renders it difficult for the refineries in a Member State to respect the fuel specification requirements of Articles 3 and 4, that Member State shall inform the Commission thereof. The Commission, after informing the other Member States, may authorise higher limit values in that Member State for one or more fuel components for a period not exceeding six months.
The Commission shall notify the Member States and inform the European Parliament and the Council of its decision.
Any Member State may refer the Commission's decision to the Council within one month of its notification.
The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a different decision within one month of the matter being referred to it.