The US has vowed to support European countries hit by an energy supply crunch blamed on Russia and to “stand up” to suppliers accused of manipulating prices.
Surging gas costs due to tight supply and low reserves have forced European governments to draw up plans to provide emergency aid to households and utilities. Officials and traders have warned that moves by Kremlin-controlled energy giant Gazprom to restrict supply could cause a crippling energy crisis this winter.
US energy secretary Jennifer Granholm said the rise in prices had “raised serious concerns and questions on the reliability of the existing supply and security in Europe”.