LONDON, September 25. /TASS/. The European Union could face its worst winter since 2022 amid record energy prices and potential supply problems from the United States, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen said in an interview with the Financial Times.
He called on US President Donald Trump to ensure as free a flow of energy resources as possible, which he said would be in the interests of both the EU and the United States. Even if supplies continue, however, Europe could face a harsh winter, the commissioner added.
The newspaper reported that diesel prices in Europe were close to record highs. In addition, Trump shook the market this week when he said he intended to support a ban on US diesel exports. Traders believe that if the measure is implemented, the consequences for Europe would be catastrophic, as the United States is a key energy supplier to the region.
According to Jorgensen, the European Commission is considering various measures to reduce energy prices. This comes in part in response to a recent call by French President Emmanuel Macron to delay tighter requirements on methane imports and ease fuel refining requirements. The commissioner himself called on other EU countries to reduce taxes on electricity and continue investing in green energy.
AFP reported earlier, citing European Commission data, that the price of diesel fuel in Europe had reached an all-time high of 2.23 euros per liter.
Earlier, International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol said the coming winter would be difficult for European countries due to low gas inventories in storage facilities and supply problems, including those stemming from the EU’s policy toward Russia.