Fuel prices across Europe have reached record levels, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. As of September 21, the average price of super 95 gasoline in Europe was 2 euros and 9 cents per liter, while diesel averaged 2 euros and 23 cents per liter. However, prices vary significantly among member states, with Bulgaria reporting an average gasoline price of 1 euro and 66 cents. Radan Kanev, a Bulgarian member of the European Parliament, explained that Bulgaria has the lowest excise duties on fuel in Europe, which limits the government's ability to lower prices through tax reductions. Several European countries, including Spain and Germany, are trying to ease the impact of rising fuel prices by cutting fuel taxes, even though this may strain public budgets. France, which has higher levels of national debt, is instead focusing on targeted support for low-income workers and sectors that depend heavily on fuel. The left wing of the European Parliament, along with six member states, is pushing for a tax on the superprofits of oil companies to fund relief measures. Sandro Gozi, an Italian member of the European Parliament, prefers allowing oil companies to self-regulate fuel prices, pointing to existing price caps in France and Italy that have influenced other market players. The European Commission is considering relaxing environmental regulations on oil companies to maintain market stability. At France's request, Brussels is looking into delaying methane emission monitoring requirements for oil distributors, despite methane being a powerful greenhouse gas. Gozi supports this temporary change but stresses the importance of continuing the transition to renewable energy and nuclear power. The ETS system, which aims to increase carbon pricing, was extended to cover road transport and building heating under the ETS2 plan, which was postponed from 2027 to 2028. Right-wing groups, including Jordan Bardella, are advocating for the abolition of ETS2, arguing it would raise fuel prices. European leaders are worried about the coming winter, fearing a sharp increase in heating costs. Over 50 million Europeans already have difficulty heating their homes adequately. If the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz continues, EU leaders may need to introduce an emergency plan, similar to those used during the 2008 financial crisis or the 2020 pandemic. Kanev noted that in Bulgaria, electric car sales have doubled in a year, suggesting that reducing dependence on fossil fuels could be an effective long-term strategy.