EU warns of winter energy price risks

On September 26, 2026, the European Union warned its 27 member states of a potential energy price crisis linked to the conflict in the Middle East. In a letter sent to energy ministers, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen wrote that the bloc is “facing a price crisis linking to a supply crisis,” highlighting concerns over the stability of energy markets.

The communication underlined that the EU remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, a structural factor that makes the region vulnerable to external supply shocks and price volatility. The current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are seen as a key driver of the latest risks to energy supply and prices.

Jorgensen asked national governments to urgently prepare for the upcoming heating season by prioritising gas storage and demand-side measures. Member states were invited to consider taking or continuing actions that can sustain injections into gas storage facilities ahead of winter.

The letter also called on countries to reduce gas and electricity demand for as long as necessary, signalling that demand management remains a central tool in the bloc’s strategy to cope with potential supply disruptions. Such measures are aimed at easing pressure on energy markets and limiting the impact of any price surge on consumers and businesses.

While the letter identified serious risks, it also noted that the EU is better prepared now than it was during the winter of 2021. Previous efforts to build up storage and diversify supplies have improved the bloc’s resilience compared with earlier crises.

However, Jorgensen stressed that governments must still step up preparations for the coming winter. The guidance from Brussels encourages coordinated national actions on storage and demand reduction so that member states can respond more effectively if market conditions deteriorate.

By issuing a unified warning and outlining specific areas of focus, the European Commission is seeking to align national strategies around common goals of security of supply and price stability. The emphasis on both storage injections and demand curbs reflects a dual approach aimed at strengthening the physical availability of energy while moderating consumption.

The letter’s call for sustained vigilance and continued measures indicates that energy security remains a priority for the EU as it heads into the winter season under uncertain geopolitical and market conditions.