The EU anticipates a "very, very difficult" winter due to the energy crisis

 The European Commission anticipates a "very, very difficult" winter due to rising energy costs, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, the EU executive's energy spokesperson, stated on Wednesday.

The spokesperson noted the existence of an affordability crisis and warned that the situation is "very volatile and unpredictable."

The consequences of rising fuel prices are already being felt across all areas of European life. In late September, the average price of diesel in the European Union hit a record high of 2.23 euros per liter, up from 2.16 euros the previous week. Nineteen countries in the bloc, including Germany, France, and Italy, recorded all-time highs. 

Although prices dipped slightly in October to 2.10 euros per liter, they remain 40% higher than they were a year ago.