EU Warns of Worsening Winter Energy Costs

European households face higher heating bills this winter as energy prices rise.

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen warned that fuel costs remain very high.

Europe has enough energy supplies right now.

However, rising prices put heavy pressure on home budgets.

Diesel prices have doubled since February.

U.S. strikes on Iran caused the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Gas prices have jumped by 140 percent.

Jørgensen called the situation very serious.

He warned that conditions will worsen in coming months.

During an average winter, 47 million Europeans struggle to pay heating bills.

Many households must choose between buying food or heating their homes.

EU leaders will discuss energy costs at this week’s summit in Brussels.

The European Commission proposed financial support for vulnerable families and businesses.

EU officials are also considering joint energy purchases and oil reserve releases.

They may delay parts of EU methane regulations.

Germany, Spain, and Italy want a windfall tax on energy firm profits.

The Commission will not propose an EU-wide tax.

Still, Jørgensen said the EU can support national taxes.

He urged governments to cut electricity taxes.

Denmark already lowered its electricity taxes.

This tax cut can reduce average household energy bills by 14 percent.

Jørgensen said Europe must lower fossil fuel imports in the long term.

The EU must expand domestic green energy production instead.

He stressed that Europe must not backtrack on its green goals.

Source: CPH Post.