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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Lorne Cook

EU chief warns billions could be wasted if energy aid is not well targeted as the Iran war bites

Cyprus EU Summit - (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

European Union countries must funnel their energy aid chiefly to vulnerable households and industries or risk wasting billions of euros as the Iran war hits oil and gas prices, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Wednesday.

The U.S.-Israel war, combined with retaliation from Iran such as choking the Strait of Hormuz, is costing the EU almost 500 million euros ($600 million) a day, raising prices at the pumps and fears of a jet fuel shortage within weeks.

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