Jørgensen urges cohesive national responses to avoid energy market disruptions

Key Points:

• EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen called for coordinated EU action to reduce oil and gas consumption and optimize storage, warning that the energy crisis will be prolonged due to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Jørgensen emphasized avoiding fragmented national responses to prevent market disruptions and highlighted concerns over the EU's limited refining capacity and reliance on diesel and jet fuel imports.
• Potential measures under consideration include fuel rationing, remote work, and "car-free Sundays," with each EU member state expected to tailor strategies according to their specific circumstances.
• The European Commission is in contact with alternative suppliers such as the US and Canada and plans to present a toolbox of support measures for families and businesses affected by soaring energy prices.
• Cypriot Minister Michael Damianos stressed the need for EU coordination to strengthen energy security, maintain competitiveness, and protect the bloc's economic future during the emergency meeting convened by the Cypriot EU Presidency.