Commissioner: EU boosts energy imports from Azerbaijan amid price surge

The European Union is continuing to diversify its energy supply sources, including by increasing imports from Azerbaijan, as well as the United States, Norway, Algeria, and Canada, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen said.

Speaking at a press conference following an informal meeting of EU energy ministers focused on the situation in the Middle East, Jørgensen stressed the importance of reliable supply partners, as per local media.

“Of course, it matters who you import from, and especially when it comes to long-term contracts, this can be an advantage for importing countries,” he said.

He noted that the EU has already reduced its dependence on Russian gas from 45% to around 10%, with plans to bring that figure down to zero.

However, Jørgensen warned that the main challenge remains high energy prices. Since the start of the Middle East conflict, gas prices in the EU have risen by approximately 70%, while oil prices have increased by 60%. Over 30 days of the crisis, the bloc’s spending on fossil fuel imports has grown by €14 billion.

Despite the absence of major disruptions to oil and gas supplies, he pointed to tensions in specific fuel markets, including diesel and aviation fuel, as well as increased pressure on the global gas market, which is also affecting electricity prices.

“We are facing a very serious situation. The consequences of this crisis for energy markets will not be short-term,” Jørgensen said.

He called on EU member states to act in a coordinated manner, avoid fragmented national measures, and refrain from sending signals that could destabilize markets. Measures, he said, should be targeted and timely, without worsening supply-demand imbalances.

The European Commission is already coordinating efforts to fill gas storage facilities and ensure oil security, while also preparing a package of measures to support households and businesses.

By Tamilla Hasanova