EU weighs energy-saving measures as Middle East crisis threatens oil and gas supplies

European Union governments are considering whether households and businesses should be asked to cut energy use as the Middle East war pushes up prices and raises fears over oil and gas supplies. Energy ministers are due to discuss possible EU-wide demand-reduction measures at a meeting on 29 October, according to a document seen by reporters. The discussion comes as officials warn that disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz could last for months.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

The proposal to examine demand cuts has been put forward by Ireland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union and is chairing negotiations between member states. The document says ministers should assess what lessons can be drawn from the bloc's response to the energy effects of the Middle East conflict. It also asks how the EU should prepare for a scenario in which the Strait of Hormuz remains partially or fully closed in the months ahead.

The same document says gas prices have risen by 140% since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran. Brent crude was trading at $110 a barrel on Wednesday, underlining the pressure on European energy markets. EU officials have identified energy prices as the biggest ripple effect from the conflict so far, while Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has already urged capitals to consider energy demand cuts for a second time.

The warning matters because Europe remains exposed to shocks in global energy flows, especially during the winter months. The EU's gas transmission operators have said the bloc could face a gas shortfall of 12% to 15% of demand if a severe cold snap hits this winter. Storage levels stood at 74% on 20 October, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe, the lowest since 2011.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key chokepoint for global energy trade, accounting for about 20% of the world's oil and gas transit. The document says diesel and jet fuel are particularly exposed to price rises and possible supply disruption if the route remains constrained. It also suggests the European Commission has limited room left to cushion the impact through existing tools alone.

Ministers are expected to consider whether reducing consumption should become part of the EU response, alongside emergency stock releases and financial support. The Council document does not set out specific cuts and does not say ministers have agreed to any measures. What remains unclear is how far member states are willing to go, and whether any demand-reduction plan would be voluntary or coordinated at EU level.

#EuropeanUnion #energysecurity #StraitofHormuz #gasprices #oilsupplies