European Union (EU) governments should prepare for "prolonged disruption" in energy markets as a result of a war with Iran, the European Commissioner for Energy told member state ministers ahead of an emergency meeting scheduled for today.
In a letter to energy ministers dated March 30, seen by Reuters, European Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said governments were "encouraged to take timely preparations in anticipation of a potentially long-term disruption."
Europe's heavy dependence on fuel imports has left the continent highly exposed to the impact of the Middle East conflict on global energy prices. Gas prices in Europe have risen by more than 70 percent since the US-Israeli war against Iran began on February 28.
The Union's supply of crude oil and natural gas is not directly affected by the closure of the key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, as Europe imports most of these energy sources from suppliers outside the Middle East.
However, Jorgensen said that in the short term, Brussels is particularly concerned about Europe's supply of refined petroleum products, such as jet fuel and diesel.
Governments should avoid any measures that would increase fuel consumption, restrict trade in petroleum products or discourage production in European refineries that process these products, the letter said.
"Member states are encouraged to postpone all non-urgent refinery maintenance work," the letter added.
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