A vehicle leaves a gas station in Berlin, Germany, March 9, 2026. The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
BRUSSELS, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday.
Speaking at a press conference, Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen said the EU was following developments in global energy markets with concern, but stressed that the bloc does not face an immediate oil or gas supply emergency.
She noted that EU member states hold oil stocks or equivalent reserves sufficient for around 90 days.
"We are far less concerned about the security of supply than we are about the high energy prices," she said.
Itkonen also confirmed that G7 countries would discuss the possible release of strategic reserves at a meeting on Monday. ■
Vehicles move past a gas station in Berlin, Germany, March 9, 2026. The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
Vehicles move past a gas station in Berlin, Germany, March 9, 2026. The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu)
Vehicles refuel at a gas station in Paris, France, on March 9, 2026. The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)
Vehicles refuel at a gas station in Paris, France, on March 9, 2026. The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)
Photo taken on March 9, 2026 shows a price board at a gas station in Paris, France. The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)
Vehicles refuel at a gas station in Paris, France, on March 9, 2026. The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)
Photo taken on March 9, 2026 shows a price board at a gas station in Paris, France. The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)
Vehicles refuel at a gas station in Paris, France, on March 9, 2026. The European Union (EU) is closely monitoring rising energy prices amid disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, a European Commission spokesperson said on Monday. (Xinhua/Wu Huiwo)
