JAKARTA - The European Union (EU) Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen on Tuesday warned of rising energy costs for the bloc triggered by the war in Iran and the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
"Since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, EU member states have spent more than 30 billion euros (more than Rp612,552,000,000,000) more on fossil fuel imports without receiving any additional supplies," Jorgensen told reporters in Brussels on Tuesday, reported by Daily Sabah (6/6).
"The world is facing the most severe energy crisis ever, a crisis that tests the resilience of our economies, societies, and partnerships," he said.
It is known that about a fifth of the world's traded oil and liquefied gas usually pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Since the start of the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28, Tehran has effectively halted shipments through the narrow waterway through threats and attacks, while Washington has imposed a naval blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports.
In addition, energy production facilities in several Gulf countries have been damaged by Iranian attacks in recent months.
Previously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz cost the EU almost 500 million euros per day, raising fuel prices at gas stations and concerns about a shortage of jet fuel in the coming weeks.
Jorgensen warned of the long-term consequences of the damage, saying gas production in the region "will probably take years to recover", while oil production is expected to recover more quickly.
The EU commissioner said the bloc was preparing for potential fuel supply problems.
"We're not there yet, but it could happen, especially in jet fuel," he said.
Meanwhile, the European Commission is expected to deliver guidelines to airlines this weekend.
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