Europe's energy crisis: European nations scramble to help households with soaring bills
European governments are scrambling to find ways to shield households and businesses feeling the impact of the surge in energy prices that have soared to record highs.
The Czech Republic, which holds the European Union's rotating presidency, is considering whether to call an emergency energy summit for the bloc which could include discussing price caps, a government minister said on Wednesday.
"The market has got out of control to a certain extent," industry minister Jozef Sikela was quoted as saying by Czech media.
"It is a problem in all of Europe, and of course, if you have a European market and European problem, then the easiest solution can be found on the European level."
Sikela said setting a maximum energy price on the European level would be one possible measure, and that the Czech Republic would support this if the EU decided to look at it.
Europe is facing a sharp rise in power bills driven by skyrocketing gas prices. Russia has cut the amount of gas it sends to Europe and prices have surged over fears that Moscow will further reduce supplies in retaliation for Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine.
In Italy, Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that EU countries should agree on a cap on the price of gas they import from Russia.
Spain and Portugal have already limited local gas-based power prices, while France has capped electricity price hikes.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for unity in his government on Wednesday, faced with what he described as "a great upheaval" and "the end of abundance".
Political commentators said Macron was preparing the country for hard times ahead. But he was criticised by left-wing figures who accused the president of being out of touch with millions whose
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