Energy bills across the European Union are rising sharply due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for oil and gas transportation. These events have increased the cost of importing hydrocarbons by an additional 100 billion euros since the end of February. The coming winter is expected to be "difficult," according to Dan Jorgensen, the European commissioner for energy. To address the crisis, the EU is preparing emergency measures, even if that means making concessions on its climate policies. Christophe Grudler, a European parliament member from the Renew group and an energy policy expert, highlights that 57% of Europe's energy is still imported, making the continent vulnerable to global disruptions. Since February, energy costs for European citizens have risen significantly, and the winter is expected to be particularly challenging. Although the EU does not anticipate shortages, it expects "very high" oil and gas prices. Grudler criticizes the EU's approach since the war in Ukraine, arguing that the continent's shift toward American liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of accelerating electrification has led to renewed dependence on fossil fuels. To ease market pressures, the EU has decided to delay a European law on methane emissions by one year. The regulation would require hydrocarbon import companies to monitor and report methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to climate change. Industry representatives argue the regulation is too strict, fearing that compliance costs could drive up energy prices or push gas toward Asian markets. France, which had previously supported the regulation, has now requested the delay. Grudler, a supporter of French President Emmanuel Macron, acknowledges the challenge but says the EU is using available tools to manage the crisis, even if it complicates climate goals. Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, a member of the Place publique group in the European Parliament, strongly opposes the delay, arguing that methane pollution is a serious issue and that postponing the law could worsen future heatwaves. He criticizes Macron for yielding to pressure from Patrick Pouyanné, the head of TotalEnergies, calling the decision unacceptable and suggesting Macron is making poor choices on environmental policy. The EU is also concerned about member states rushing to fill energy reserves, which could drive prices higher. It encourages "sobriety"—reducing unnecessary energy use—while cautioning against measures that could harm economic growth, especially in energy-intensive industries like aluminium and steel production. Small changes, such as reducing the heating of industrial buildings by one degree, are seen as viable ways to cut waste. The rising energy prices have sparked fears of a large social movement in Europe, similar to the Yellow Vests protests in France in 2018. Grudler says legislators are trying to minimize the impact on citizens, but he also notes that the price increases are due to a complex geopolitical situation, not the fault of the EU or the French government. As elections approach, he warns that some may seek to exploit public frustration for political gain. According to the Energy Regulation Commission, the average annual gas bill for French households could rise by 120 euros in 2026 compared to 2025.