EU Gas and Oil Coordination Groups Assess Energy Security Amid Middle East Conflict
Summary
The Gas Coordination Group confirmed EU gas security remains largely unaffected, with storage levels only slightly below pre-crisis averages. The Oil Coordination Group noted that jet fuel supplies are sufficient to cover current demand but that prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have a significant impact in the coming weeks or months. The Commission is collecting national data on available stocks and market conditions for an EU-wide regional assessment.
“The data already obtained indicates that the supplies of jet fuel remain sufficient to cover demand at the moment.”
Energy companies, particularly those with jet fuel or crude oil exposure in European markets, should monitor Strait of Hormuz developments closely. While current supplies are adequate, the Commission's assessment that a Hormuz closure could have significant impact within weeks/months suggests the window for contingency planning may be narrow. The ongoing data collection exercise and Fuel Observatory launch indicate the Commission is building infrastructure for real-time monitoring that could support faster coordinated responses.
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What changed
The Gas Coordination Group confirmed that EU gas storage remains largely unaffected by the Middle East conflict, with levels slightly below pre-crisis averages. The Group agreed that reaching 80% storage by end of summer would be sufficient for winter supply, with regulatory flexibilities available where targets may not be met. The Oil Coordination Group discussed the AccelerateEU communication introducing a Fuel Observatory for near real-time tracking of crude oil and petroleum products, and assessed that jet fuel supplies currently cover demand. The Commission is collecting national stock data and market conditions to prepare an EU-wide regional assessment, with information to serve as basis for coordinated actions such as releasing stocks committed under an IEA collective action call.
Energy sector participants should note the Commission is actively monitoring the Strait of Hormuz situation. While current jet fuel supplies are sufficient, any prolonged closure could significantly impact supply within weeks or months. The EU is prepared to consider coordinated actions including stock releases under IEA arrangements if conditions deteriorate.
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Apr 25, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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Experts from the European Commission, EU countries and the International Energy Agency (IEA) met in the Gas and Oil Coordination Groups today to discuss the EU’s gas and oil security of supply situation in Europe, as the Middle East conflict enters its third month.
The Gas Coordination Group confirmed that the EU’s gas security of supply remains largely unaffected, with storage levels only slightly below pre-crisis averages. The Group observed that reaching a storage level of 80% at the end of summer would be enough to secure winter supply. The Group agreed that the refilling of EU gas storage should be carefully weighed against economic considerations, noting that EU countries have not planned any additional interventions so far. Moreover, the Group considered that where the storage target set out in legislation may not be achieved, EU countries may consider activating the regulatory flexibilities in a timely manner.
The Oil Coordination Group discussed the follow-up to the adoption of the AccelerateEU communication of 22 April which introduces specific actions for crude oil and petroleum products, such as the launch of a Fuel Observatory providing close to real-time tracking of supply, stocks, imports and exports. Moreover, mandated by energy ministers at the extraordinary Transport Telecommunications and Energy Council meeting on 31 March, the Commission has been collecting national data on available stocks and market conditions with a view to providing an EU-wide regional assessment of the situation. The data already obtained indicates that the supplies of jet fuel remain sufficient to cover demand at the moment. Nevertheless, the duration of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could have a significant impact in the forthcoming months/weeks. The information collected will serve as a basis for coordinated actions and measures at EU level, such as the release of stocks already committed under the IEA call for collective action.
The Commission will continue to assess the overall impact of the situation in the Middle East in Europe, support coordinated action as needed, and maintain regular communication with EU countries, the IEA and market participants.
Details
Publication date 24 April 2026 Author Directorate-General for Energy
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