Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy, stated that the energy shock caused by the Middle Eastern conflict is a protracted challenge.
The EU is considering measures such as fuel rationing and releasing additional emergency oil reserves to address the structural and long-term impacts of this conflict.
However, the commissioner dismissed the possibility of easing EU regulations related to aviation fuel.
The European Commissioner for Energy recently emphasized that the EU is considering 'all possible response measures,' including implementing fuel rationing and tapping into additional emergency oil reserves, to address the 'enduring' energy shock brought on by the Middle Eastern war.
Dan Jørgensen warned, 'This will be a prolonged crisis... Energy prices will remain high for an extended period.' He also pointed out that for some critical products, conditions are expected to worsen in the coming weeks.
Jørgensen stated, 'The language we use now, and the words we employ, are more serious than they were at the beginning of the crisis. We truly believe this will be a situation lasting a considerable amount of time, and countries need to ensure they have everything required.'
Energy Threat
The near-closure of the key shipping route, the Strait of Hormuz, and the destruction of energy infrastructure in the Gulf region have disrupted global energy markets, causing energy prices to surge and raising concerns about long-term supply.
Although the EU has not yet fallen into a supply security crisis, Brussels is developing plans to respond to the structural and long-term impacts of this conflict, which include preparing for the worst-case scenario, according to Jørgensen.
When asked whether there might be a relaxation of aviation fuel-related regulations to allow more US fuel imports or to permit higher ethanol content in automotive fuel, Jørgensen responded, 'We are not yet in a position where we can amend or alter any existing regulations.'
He added, 'We are considering all possible options, and it is clear that the more severe the situation becomes, the more necessary it will be to explore relevant legislative measures.'
It is reported that the EU and the US have different standards for aviation fuel. The EU's freezing point specification for aviation fuel is -47 degrees Celsius, while the US standard is -40 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, Jørgensen also stated, 'If the situation becomes increasingly severe, we will not rule out the possibility of releasing strategic energy reserves again.' Last month, EU member states participated in the largest-ever release of strategic oil reserves, aiming to control soaring oil prices.
Editor/Melody