Brussels, March 31 (SANA) European Union Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen warned that EU governments must prepare for a prolonged disruption in energy markets due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
According to Reuters, Jørgensen said in a letter to EU energy ministers ahead of an emergency meeting on Tuesday: “I urge European governments to take the necessary precautions in a timely manner, anticipating long-term disruption.”
He called on governments to consider voluntary measures to reduce energy demand, particularly in the transport sector, including encouraging reduced land and air travel to conserve fuel for essential uses.
EU energy ministers are set to hold an emergency video meeting to address the escalating crisis, amid concerns that shortages could persist longer than expected.
The European Commission has recommended stronger information sharing and market monitoring, delaying non-essential refinery maintenance, and accelerating the use of biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Europe’s reliance on imported energy has left it particularly exposed to rising global prices linked to the conflict.
European gas prices have surged by more than 70% since the start of the U.S.-Israeli-Iranian conflict on February 28.
