“We have no immediate concerns regarding gas storage and our reserves for the coming winter season ”, Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy, told MEPs on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) on Wednesday 3 June.
“That said, physical oil market is expected to show a deficit until the end of the year, which creates certain risks for supplies of kerosene, diesel and other refined products”, he added.
His remarks contrast with those of the leaders of the International Energy Agency, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organization, who warned of the risks of oil shortages on Friday 29 May (see EUROPE 13878/32).
The Commissioner acknowledged that oil and gas prices continue to rise. “After one month of conflict, imports and bills have risen by €20 billion, which corresponds to €650 million per day”, he said, highlighting Europe’s vulnerability and the impact of soaring prices on citizens. (Original version in French by Nadège Delépine)