EU Commission presents AccelerateEU plan against kerosene shortage

The European Commission unveiled its AccelerateEU emergency plan on Wednesday, April 22, to mitigate the energy crisis triggered by the war in Iran. The initiative aims to avert a kerosene shortage following the Strait of Hormuz blockade. It offers recommendations and measures to EU member states and industry.

The war in Iran, which began on February 28, and the Strait of Hormuz blockade have driven up gas and oil prices across the European Union. The 27 member states are struggling to curb these surges, as kerosene stocks fall and gas supplies grow uncertain.

On Wednesday, April 22, the European Commission introduced AccelerateEU, a set of recommendations and measures—some concrete—for member states and industry. Brussels acknowledges its limited direct tools to address the crisis, which could evolve into a social one.

The plan aims to cushion the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. It comes after two months of strain, amid ongoing fears of broader disruptions.

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Illustration depicting EU shift to US jet fuel imports amid Iran war disruptions in Strait of Hormuz.
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EU drafts guidance to curb reliance on Middle East jet fuel as Iran war strains supply

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The European Union is preparing non-binding guidance urging member states to reduce reliance on Middle Eastern jet fuel and consider increasing imports from the United States, a source familiar with the plans told Reuters, as the Iran war continues to disrupt energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Due to the Iran war's impact on energy prices, the EU Commission has urged member states to lower gas storage filling targets from 90 to 80 percent. EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen wrote in a letter that this could reduce gas demand and ease price pressures. The EU is better prepared for crises than in 2022.

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The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, proposes reducing electricity taxes, reviewing the carbon emissions market, and avoiding premature nuclear plant closures to lower energy prices amid the Middle East war. These measures address surging oil prices due to the Strait of Hormuz closure, costing 6 billion euros since February 28. The EU meanwhile rejects military involvement in the conflict despite pressure from Donald Trump.

The EU has delayed its proposal for a complete ban on oil imports from Russia. The move comes amid a sudden loss of political support due to the Iran war, even though the draft is already prepared. The regulation was set to apply to all member states, including Hungary and Slovakia.

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As the US-Israel-Iran conflict surpasses its fourth day following initial strikes on February 28, Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz and launched drone attacks on key Saudi and Qatari energy facilities. Growing European involvement and US commitments elsewhere raise concerns over prolonged hostilities harming American interests. De-escalation through negotiations is urgently needed.

Following strikes on military targets and shipping disruptions earlier in March, the Israel-Iran war intensified as both sides hit oil and gas production and export facilities. The attacks raise alarms for global energy markets, prompting the International Energy Agency to urge conservation amid fears of severe price shocks.

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Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced in Bordeaux new targeted aids «early next week» to counter the fuel price surge linked to the Middle East conflict started over a month ago by US and Israeli strikes on Iran. He assured there was no shortage in the country. The French public expresses strong skepticism about the government's effectiveness.

 

 

 

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