The Middle East wars are causing a spike in fossil fuel prices which is impacting our economies. The European Commission has taken immediate action to help EU countries support consumers and companies, including the most vulnerable in society and sectors struggling the most.
Thanks to the EU clean energy agenda, accelerated through REPowerEU measures, there is no immediate security of supply concern for the EU. The EU keeps making its energy system more resilient, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. However, global price spikes remain a concern.
Bringing immediate relief
In April 2026, the European Commission proposed AccelerateEU, a set of measures to relieve households and industries by
increasing EU coordination, both within the Union and with energy providers and partner countries
supporting EU countries to protect consumers and businesses from price peaks
reducing reliance on oil and gas
promoting electrification and clean, homegrown energy
boosting public and private investments
AccelerateEU calls for closer coordination between Member States on gas storage filling, possible oil stock releases and on the use of flexibilities to prevent shortages.
It also proposes to introduce temporary and targeted measures like state aid for economic sectors that are most exposed to price spikes.
A new Fuel Observatory will be established to track EU production, imports, exports and stock levels of transport fuels. This will enable swift identification of potential shortages and, in the case of emergency stock releases, ensure a balanced fuel distribution.
To shield households and businesses from price spikes, EU countries may put in place income support schemes, energy vouchers and social leasing schemes, and lower electricity taxes for vulnerable households.
Ensuring security of supply
Alongside the measures set out under AccelerateEU, the Commission continues to monitor energy markets closely through a dedicated Energy Union Task Force, which has confirmed that there is no immediate security of supply concern for winter 2026–2027. Storage targets remain achievable, ensuring an adequate level of preparedness.
Our supply of both oil - including diesels and jet fuels - and gas is diversified across global markets. The EU has successfully moved away from overreliance on a single gas supplier to a mix of pipeline and LNG supplies from across the globe.
In October 2026, G7 leaders agreed a coordinated release of 100 million barrels of oil over the subsequent four months to stabilise immediate energy needs, including a substantial release of diesel in the first 20 days.
To ensure affordable energy and energy independence, the EU is accelerating the development of infrastructure and clean energy technologies. Key initiatives include
- the European Grids Package, enabling electricity to flow efficiently across borders and integrating cheaper, cleaner energy
- the electrification action plan, presented in July 2026, which will facilitate the electrification of the industrial, transport and building sectors. It sets an indicative electrification target of 46% by 2040, which could cut the EU’s fossil fuel imports by €260 billion per year by 2040
Between 2025-2026, nearly €2 billion in grants are supporting cross-border energy projects to strengthen energy security and competitiveness.
The EU has also reviewed its Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to further reduce fossil fuel dependency and drive investments in renewables and nuclear power. Key measures include
After Russia triggered the 2022 energy crisis, the EU acted together to secure energy, stabilise prices and speed up the clean energy transition. Since then, Europe has reduced dependence on Russian fossil fuels and has been working to make energy more affordable and accessible for households and businesses.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the energy come from?
The energy we use in our homes in the EU comes from different sources, both from the EU and outside the EU.
Find out more about EU production and energy that the EU imports.
Why are prices going up?
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is pushing up fossil fuel prices and imports costs. The EU still relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, so price shocks abroad translate immediately into higher costs at home.
Amid the volatility in global markets, the EU is well prepared but is stepping up action both in the short and in the long term.
Is there any EU support for citizens facing high energy costs?
In 2025, the Commission adopted the affordable energy action plan, with concrete short-term and structural measures to cut electricity bills and reduce exposure to price shocks.
As an essential part of this action plan, the citizens energy package sets out concrete actions to lower bills, protect consumers and tackle energy poverty by
making it easier to switch to a cheaper energy supplier. Consumers could save on average €150 per year
lowering taxes and levies on electricity bills. This could save households on average €200 per year
providing more transparent information on energy bills and contracts. This helps consumers make informed decisions
EU countries are encouraged to help vulnerable consumers through targeted income support, energy vouchers, and lowering energy taxes.
How does the EU plan to protect households facing the energy crisis?
The EU has introduced new electricity and gas market rules to give households stronger protection from price spikes. They include
- more choice between fixed-price and dynamic price electricity contracts, with fixed prices offering greater predictability
- clearer information and stronger safeguards when choosing or switching energy supplier
- stronger protection for vulnerable customers from disconnection of their electricity or gas supply
- in an emergency, the option for EU countries to temporarily set electricity prices below cost for a limited amount of consumption
Will there be energy shortages?
There is no immediate security of supply concern for the EU. Our supply of both oil - including diesels and jet fuels - and gas is diversified across global markets. The EU has successfully moved away from overreliance on a single gas supplier to a mix of pipeline and LNG supplies from across the globe.
How are the EU’s investments in renewables helping to mitigate the impact of the global energy crisis in Europe?
Europe’s high energy costs are heavily influenced by its dependence on imported fossil fuels. Expanding the amount and range of renewable energy sources would help reduce the costs of energy supply and energy prices for industry and citizens.
Member States that have a high share of renewables and nuclear generally have electricity prices below the EU average.
Since 2021, the EU has made substantial progress in expanding its renewable capacity, with the share of renewables in the electricity mix rising from 36% to 48% by 2025. Together with nuclear, more than 70% of our electricity is now produced from low-carbon energy sources.
Is the EU doing anything to stop energy companies from overcharging?
The EU is actively regulating energy markets to prevent unfair pricing, market abuse, and practices that could lead to consumers being overcharged.
The Regulation on Energy Market Integrity and Transparency (REMIT) is a key EU policy protecting EU citizens and businesses from energy market abuse. It prevents market manipulation by mandating transaction reporting, setting price monitoring frameworks, and enabling regulators to investigate and sanction violations such as insider trading.
In the AccelerateEU communication, the Commission has confirmed that Member States can also take measures on the taxation of windfall profits to ensure social fairness; the Commission will respect Member States’ decisions and assess these national measures and their impact on the single market.
What are my rights if my flight or holiday gets cancelled due to the increase in fuel prices?
If an airline cancels or makes changes to a flight you have already booked, you are protected by EU rules.
- If your flight from or to the EU is cancelled, you are entitled to rebooking or refund.
If the cancellation takes place less than 14 days before a flight, you are also entitled to a compensation.
More information about passengers rights - For package holidays, travel companies may raise the price of your holidays up to 8% after the package has been paid, but only if the increase is justified and you are informed at the latest 20 days before departure. If the price increase is more than 8%, you have the right to cancel.
More information about package holidays
Airlines are exempt from compensation only if they prove that the cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as a local fuel shortage. The Commission does not consider high fuel prices an extraordinary circumstance.
How will the EU ensure that airlines do not charge passengers additional costs?
To ensure transparent pricing of air fares, the Air Services Regulation requires airlines to display final ticket prices upfront. Therefore, charging additional fees retroactively such as fuel surcharges is not allowed.
For holiday packages, the Package Travel Directive may allow price increases only if specified in the contract and under specific circumstances.
How will the EU support airlines in the event of fuel supply shortages?
To help avoid the closure of certain routes, airlines may be exempt from the 90% fuel uplift rule under the ReFuelEU Aviation when safety requirements to carry extra fuel could prevent onward flights due to insufficient fuel at the destination airport.
They may also be exempt from the usual landing and take-off slot obligations and are not penalised for justified non-use of slots caused by fuel supply issues.
This page was last updated on 6 October 2026