Sweden faces worst energy crisis ever, warns energy minister

Sweden’s energy minister has described the current situation as “the worst energy crisis ever,” as fuel shortages and soaring prices threaten households and businesses, SVT Nyheter reports.

EU energy costs have surged by €24 billion since the conflict in Iran began in late February, prompting the European Commission to propose an emergency energy package. The measures aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, increase electrification, and support vulnerable households and companies.

The commission’s recommendations include better coordination among member states, monitoring production and imports to prevent competition for gas supplies, and cutting overall energy consumption. A new oversight body would track production, imports, exports, and stockpile levels.

Swedish energy minister Ebba Busch (Christian Democrats) warned that the crisis is unprecedented. “We believe we can help households through the worst energy crisis ever, and we are not ruling out further measures,” she said.

The government has already temporarily cut fuel taxes to the EU minimum and adjusted its high-cost protection scheme for electricity prices.

Meanwhile, commodity experts warn that Sweden may face fuel rationing by summer. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has also cautioned that Europe’s aviation fuel reserves could be depleted within six weeks, leading Lufthansa to cancel 20,000 flights through October.