The European Commission has urged EU member states to strengthen contingency planning for oil and petroleum product supply, as ongoing instability linked to the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to unsettle global energy markets.
Brussels stressed that the EU remains well positioned to handle potential disruptions due to existing obligations requiring member states to maintain emergency oil stocks and robust crisis response frameworks. EU countries collectively hold around 20% of the 400 million barrels of strategic reserves coordinated by the International Energy Agency (IEA). However, the Commission warned that a prolonged disruption to global energy trade cannot be ruled out and called for a coordinated response across member states rather than fragmented national actions.
Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jørgensen emphasized that while the Union’s security of supply remains stable, governments must act early to enhance resilience and avoid disorderly reactions if conditions worsen. In a letter to EU energy ministers, he encouraged full use of existing coordination mechanisms, including the Oil Coordination Group and Energy Union security structures, to ensure alignment and effective communication across the bloc.
The Commission also urged member states to consider measures to reduce oil demand, particularly in the transport sector, in line with the IEA’s 10-point plan designed to lower consumption during periods of supply stress. It highlighted the importance of rapid information exchange and continuous market monitoring, asking governments to report any significant risks or changes in supply conditions, including shifts in commercial inventories.
At the same time, Brussels cautioned against actions that could worsen the situation, such as policies that encourage higher fuel consumption, disrupt the free movement of petroleum products within the EU, or discourage refinery output. It further recommended postponing non-essential refinery maintenance to ensure the continued availability of refined products across member states.
As part of a broader strategy, the Commission noted that increased use of biofuels could help offset demand for fossil-based oil products and reduce pressure on the market. Overall, the EU is seeking to maintain stability by combining preparedness, coordination, and demand management in the face of potential energy supply disruptions.
