EU energy prices loom over winter talks in Dublin

European energy ministers are due to meet in Dublin on Tuesday as the European Union tries to limit the impact of high energy prices before winter.

Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen urged the bloc's 27 member states to consider measures to reduce demand for gas and electricity. In a letter seen by AFP, he wrote that such steps could help contain prices for as long as necessary.

The informal talks are not expected to produce major decisions, but are intended to help coordinate national action.

European gas prices have more than doubled because of the US-Iran war, the source item said, as Europe needs to refill reserves before winter. Brussels wants to avoid countries rushing to fill storage at the same time, which could push prices higher.

Jorgensen wrote that gas storage levels were “exceptionally low” for this time of year, but that there were “no immediate risks to security of supply”. Storage averages about 70 percent across the EU, with large differences between countries. France's tanks are 82 percent full, while Germany's are 57 percent full.

EU consumers are also facing high fuel prices, with diesel prices across the bloc hitting record highs this month. The European Commission has recommended targeted support for the hardest-hit sectors and relaxed state aid rules.

A possible US diesel export ban, backed by President Donald Trump, could add further pressure. France and others have called for more flexibility, including a possible one-year delay to new EU rules requiring oil and gas importers to monitor and report methane emissions from 2027.