EU transport ministers act on fuel crisis

EU transport ministers convened today in an informal video conference to assess the impact of developments in the Middle East on the transport sector, marking an important step towards a coordinated EU response to rising fuel costs and market volatility.

IRU welcomes the swift convening of ministers - in line with IRU's recent call for an urgent and coordinated EU-level discussion - and the clear recognition of the impact of the current crisis on the road transport sector.

It comes on the heels of ongoing IRU advocacy to EU authorities and Member States over the past six weeks on the impact of the fuel crisis and the urgent measures needed to support and stabilise vital road transport operations.

Ministers underlined that rising fuel costs and price volatility are already placing significant strain on transport operators, with consequences for supply chains. They stressed the need to maintain resilient transport networks, safeguard supply chains and avoid fragmented national responses.

The strong emphasis on EU-wide coordination to avoid fragmentation and ensure a coherent response reflects key priorities consistently raised by IRU since the outset of the crisis.

IRU EU Director Raluca Marian said, "We welcome the Cypriot Presidency's swift initiative to bring ministers together at this early stage of the crisis.

"It is particularly important that road transport has been clearly recognised as one of the sectors most affected by fuel price volatility, with direct implications for passengers and logistics chains across the EU.

"The strong emphasis on coordinated EU action, with a central role for the Commission, is essential.

"This is a good start; what matters now is how these commitments translate into concrete support for operators on the ground."

Ministers highlighted the need for targeted and temporary measures, including the use of state aid and regulatory flexibility, while maintaining proportionality and a level playing field across the single market.

They also underlined the importance of ensuring fuel supply continuity, strengthening system resilience and closely monitoring fuel stocks, recognising price volatility as the most immediate challenge.

Looking ahead, IRU emphasises that EU measures must translate quickly into practical support on the ground, particularly for operators facing tight margins and limited capacity to absorb further cost shocks.

With the Commission expected to present its crisis toolkit and accompanying measures in the coming days, IRU calls for swift, coordinated and effective action that reflects operational realities and provides immediate relief to transport operators across the EU.