EU Commissioner warns of worsening energy price crisis this winter

EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, has warned that the energy situation in Europe is expected to worsen during the winter months. While there is no immediate shortage of supply, extremely high prices are placing significant pressure on European households.

Gas prices have risen by 140 percent, and diesel prices have doubled since February. Jørgensen noted that in an average winter, approximately 47 million Europeans struggle to heat their homes adequately, often forcing a choice between heating and food.

The European Commission is considering several short-term measures to mitigate these costs, including targeted energy support for vulnerable households and industry, joint energy procurement, and the potential release of oil reserves. Additionally, some EU member states, such as Germany, Spain, and Italy, are advocating for a common windfall tax on the high profits of energy companies.