BRUSSELS — The European Union has urged member states to prepare for a potentially prolonged disruption to energy markets resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, according to a letter from the bloc’s energy commissioner.
In a letter dated March 30 and sent to energy ministers ahead of an emergency meeting on Tuesday, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said governments were encouraged to make timely preparations in anticipation of a potentially prolonged disruption. While the immediate fallout on Europe’s energy supplies is currently contained, longer-term risks require action, the letter stated.
Jørgensen highlighted jet fuel and diesel supplies as particular short-term concerns. He encouraged member states to defer any non-emergency refinery maintenance and to outline measures to reduce oil and gas demand, particularly in the transport sector.
The disruptions stem from reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows. The letter noted that while Europe has limited direct reliance on imports from the affected region, global market volatility is impacting prices and availability.
The European Commission has been monitoring energy markets closely in coordination with member states and the International Energy Agency. An informal video conference of EU energy ministers is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon to coordinate responses.
No specific new emergency measures were detailed in the letter. Officials have previously emphasized the use of existing tools, including flexibility in gas storage filling targets and potential targeted support for households and industry.
Details on the expected duration of the disruption or precise impacts on individual member states remained unclear. The Commission has not quantified potential shortfalls in specific fuel types.
As of Tuesday, EU energy supply security was reported as stable in the short term despite price pressures, according to earlier coordination meetings. Further details on outcomes from the ministers’ meeting or additional preparatory steps were not immediately available.
