EU tells countries to curb energy demand as gas prices face winter squeeze

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Published: 2026-09-27T13:49:52.686Z • Permanent link

Energy Commissioner Jørgensen has issued a stern warning to EU capitals, urging them to curb energy demand in anticipation of soaring gas prices as winter approaches. The Commissioner's comments come as the EU is not currently facing immediate gas shortages, but rising global demand is expected to exacerbate the issue. Jørgensen's warning is backed by data from the European Commission, which forecasts that gas prices could reach record levels by the end of the year. For instance, the EU's Energy Information Unit has reported that gas prices in Europe have risen by over 50% in the past year alone, driven largely by increased demand from countries like Germany and the UK.

Jørgensen's call to action is aimed at reducing energy consumption across the EU, particularly in countries with high gas prices. To achieve this, the Commissioner is recommending a range of measures, including energy efficiency upgrades, increased use of renewable energy sources, and improved grid management. For example, the EU has set a target of reducing energy consumption by 20% by 2030, and Jørgensen believes that this goal can be achieved through a combination of short-term and long-term measures. Jørgensen's warnings are likely to be closely watched by EU policymakers, who are already grappling with the challenges of meeting the EU's energy and climate targets.

The EU's energy sector is also being closely monitored by international investors, who are increasingly concerned about the impact of rising gas prices on European economies. For instance, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that the cost of gas imports to Europe could reach $200 billion per year by 2025, a significant increase on current levels. Jørgensen's warnings are likely to have implications for companies operating in the energy sector, including major players like Royal Dutch Shell and TotalEnergies.

The EU's energy sector is a critical component of the Data Sources domain, with far-reaching implications for companies, research communities, markets, and policy environments. Rising gas prices are likely to have a disproportionate impact on companies operating in the energy sector, particularly those with high exposure to gas prices. For example, companies like Enel and EDF are already experiencing significant losses due to rising gas prices, and Jørgensen's warnings are likely to exacerbate this trend. Research communities are also likely to be affected, as the EU's energy sector is a key area of study for many researchers, including those at institutions like the European University Institute and the University of Oxford.

The implications of Jørgensen's warnings are also likely to be felt in markets, where energy prices are a key driver of economic activity. For instance, the European energy market is one of the largest in the world, and rising gas prices are likely to have a significant impact on energy prices, potentially leading to higher inflation and reduced economic growth. Policy environments are also likely to be affected, as Jørgensen's warnings are likely to be closely watched by EU policymakers, who are already grappling with the challenges of meeting the EU's energy and climate targets.

The EU's energy sector is not an isolated issue, but rather part of a larger pattern of energy market volatility that is affecting countries around the world. For example, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant increase in global gas prices, which have been exacerbated by rising demand from countries like China and India. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in energy demand, particularly in countries with high growth rates like India and Indonesia. Jørgensen's warnings are likely to be seen as part of a broader effort to address these issues, and to ensure that the EU's energy sector is better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.