European Union energy chief urges member states to keep cutting gas and electricity use as winter approaches

European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has urged EU governments to continue curbing energy demand as gas storage levels remain exceptionally low ahead of winter. In a letter seen by Euronews, he warned that the situation has not improved since March, with storage around 70% full, 12 percentage points below last year. Prices have surged to €72 per megawatt-hour due to Middle East disruptions and Asian competition for LNG. Jørgensen suggested an 80% filling target instead of 90% to avoid panic buying. He stressed there are no immediate supply risks but warned of a potential price-to-supply crisis.