EU prepares coordinated response to possible supply disruptions
The European Union is urging member states to consider reducing oil and gas consumption, particularly in transport, as concerns mount over a potential prolonged disruption in energy supplies linked to the conflict in Iran.
The call comes from Dan Jørgensen, who warned that Europe must act early to avoid being caught off guard by a worsening global energy crisis. While supply security is not yet compromised, rising costs and geopolitical instability could evolve into a broader supply shock affecting the continent.
“The security of the European Union’s energy supply remains ensured. However, we must be ready for a potential prolonged disruption in international energy trade. That is why we need to act now, and act together as a true Union,” Jørgensen said.
Transport sector at the center of demand reduction efforts
In a letter to EU energy ministers, reviewed by multiple outlets, Dan Jørgensen suggested governments evaluate “voluntary demand reduction measures,” with a particular focus on transport.
This could translate into policies encouraging citizens to limit car and air travel, preserving fuel for essential uses. Similar approaches have already been introduced in parts of Asia.
Europe’s dependence on Gulf fuel imports
The urgency reflects structural vulnerabilities in Europe’s energy system. The EU relies on the Persian Gulf for more than 40% of its jet fuel and diesel imports, exposing the region to supply risks in the event of escalating tensions.
According to Benedict George, an analyst at Argus Media, quoted by Reuters, the EU sources nearly 15% of its kerosene directly from Middle Eastern suppliers. The real dependency is likely higher, as Europe also imports refined products from countries such as India that process Middle Eastern crude.
Limited alternatives and refining capacity constraints
Jørgensen also highlighted that low stock levels are compounded by the limited availability of alternative suppliers and insufficient refining capacity within the EU for certain products.
He warned member states against measures that could inadvertently increase fuel consumption, restrict the free flow of petroleum products, or discourage refinery output. At the same time, he stressed the need to assess cross-border impacts of national policies to maintain consistency at the EU level.
Avoiding a return to emergency rationing
So far, Europe has not had to resort to drastic demand-reduction measures such as those seen in the 1970s, when fuel rationing and car-free Sundays became widespread.
However, International Energy Agency has already outlined a set of actions to curb consumption across households and workplaces. EU countries are also contributing roughly 20% to the coordinated release of more than 400 million barrels of emergency oil reserves organized by the agency.
