# European energy cost and supply security crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-energy-cost-and-supply-security-crisis > Updated: 2026-10-06T07:53:24.000Z. Sources: 65. Developments: 2. Energy experts and industry leaders have raised concerns regarding rising fuel costs and the necessity of maintaining refining capacity to ensure stability. Industry figures noted that gasoline and diesel prices have reached high levels, driven by market volatility. While some integrated companies implemented temporary price caps, experts called for a structural European energy strategy to address the long-term costs of finished petroleum products. In response to surging natural gas and diesel prices, the European Commission announced measures to ensure supply security. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported that since late February, natural gas prices have risen by 140% and diesel prices have doubled, resulting in an additional 100 billion euros in fossil fuel import costs for the EU. Key initiatives include launching a strategic dialogue on European refineries and establishing a task force to aggregate energy demand for centralized group purchases. To provide relief, the EU will grant methane exporters a one-year extension to comply with new regulations. Von der Leyen emphasized that state aid should be targeted toward the most vulnerable households rather than being distributed indiscriminately. Political tensions are intensifying regarding the intersection of energy security and climate policy. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and the Visegrad Group are resisting the implementation of the ETS2 system, arguing that its proposed 42% emission reduction target by 2030 will drive up costs for fuel, housing, and energy, thereby threatening industrial competitiveness. They have specifically demanded that the implementation of the ETS2 system be delayed until after 2030 to prevent further economic strain. Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis have called for greater budgetary flexibility to help member states buffer energy shocks. ## Claims - The European Commission will initiate a strategic dialogue regarding European refineries to reduce costs. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Natural gas prices have increased by 140% since late February. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The energy crisis has cost Europe an additional 100 billion euros. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The EU will grant methane exporters a one-year extension to prepare for new regulations. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The European Commission will launch a new task force to aggregate energy demand and centralize group purchases. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Robert Fico requested greater flexibility from the European Commission regarding state debt and deficits when providing fuel aid. (corroborated by 6 sources) - State aid for households should be targeted toward those with the greatest need. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Giorgia Meloni called for clear political guidance at the next European Council to reduce energy costs and protect industrial competitiveness. (corroborated by 5 sources) - There is no single solution for the entire European Union due to differing energy mixes. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Europe faces a serious problem with oil and fuel supplies. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Refinery capacities are gradually decreasing. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Visegrad Group insists that the ETS2 system be introduced only after 2030. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-06: European leaders debate energy crisis and industrial competitiveness European leaders are debating energy crisis mitigation, with calls for budget flexibility from Italy and Greece, while the Visegrad Group demands a delay of the ETS2 system until after 2030. 60 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-commission-announces-plan-to-combat-energy-costs ### 2026-09-29: Energy experts call for refining capacity and new EU strategy amid rising fuel costs Industry leaders urge for maintained refining capacity and a new European energy strategy as fuel prices rise, noting that current price caps by companies like Eni and Q8 are only temporary measures. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-experts-call-for-refining-capacity-and-new-eu-strategy-amid-rising-fuel-costs --- Cite as: European energy cost and supply security crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-energy-cost-and-supply-security-crisis