Finance
Factbox-What G7 Countries Are Doing to Cap Energy Prices
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 30, 2026
4 min readLast updated: March 30, 2026
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G7 nations and the IEA have launched the largest-ever coordinated emergency oil release—400 million barrels—from strategic reserves to mitigate soaring prices after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, though analysts caution its impact is temporary.
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BRUSSELS, March 30 (Reuters) - Energy prices around the world have soared after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks, leaving many Group of Seven and EU governments seeking ways to lessen the impact on their economies.
Finance and energy ministers of the G7 - the United States, Canada, Japan, Britain, France, Germany and Italy - were due to hold a teleconference on Monday to coordinate action. EU energy ministers meet to discuss the issue on Tuesday.
Governments face tough choices because the higher energy costs boost inflation and slow growth, but using public finances to cap them strains budgets and distorts market price signals that would normally lead to reduced demand.
Here are some of the announced measures involving G7 countries:
Global Response and International Coordination
International Energy Agency's Strategic Stockpile Release
GLOBAL
The International Energy Agency agreed to release a record 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles.
The IEA said all 32 member countries backed the move, the sixth coordinated stockpile release since the agency's creation in the 1970s.
Country Contributions
The United States will take a leading role by contributing 172 million barrels. Canada will release 23.6 million barrels.
Country-Specific Measures
Germany
Limiting Price Volatility at Petrol Stations
GERMANY
Berlin decided not to subsidise prices, but to limit volatility by allowing petrol stations to increase prices only once a day at midday (1100 GMT).
They can cut prices at any time. Breaches could be punished with fines of up to 100,000 euros ($108,000).
France
Targeted Support for Key Sectors
FRANCE
France's government has opted for support measures strictly targeted at the sectors most in need, marking a sharp contrast with sweeping energy price caps that badly strained public finances after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
It has announced over 70 million euros in fuel subsides for the transport, farming and fishing industries for April in addition to a 150 euro benefit for 3.8 million low-income households to help pay energy bills.
United Kingdom
Regulated Tariffs and Targeted Support
UNITED KINGDOM
Most British households are protected until July from the immediate impact of higher gas prices on heating and electricity costs, due to regulated tariffs, though the government has launched a 53-million-pound ($70 million) package for homes that use heating oil.
Finance minister Rachel Reeves has indicated that targeted support is under consideration rather than sweeping cost-of-living measures for households.
Regulatory Actions Against Price Gouging
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the government is considering expanding the powers of the competition regulator to tackle price gouging and profiteering following the leap in oil and fuel prices.
Italy
Excise Duty Reductions
ITALY
The Italian government has set aside some 417.4 million euros ($480.34 million) to cut excise duties on petrol and diesel until April 7, but prices have changed little and industry lobbies are pushing for more effective steps.
Japan
Subsidies to Stabilize Gasoline Prices
JAPAN
The Japanese government is using 800 billion yen ($5.01 billion) of reserve funds to finance subsidies to try to keep gasoline prices at about 170 yen per litre on average. The measure is likely to cost as much as 300 billion yen per month.
Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the government was prepared to take all necessary measures "on all fronts", but did not comment directly on the possibility Japan might intervene in the crude oil futures market.
Exchange Rate Information
($1 = 0.7559 pounds)
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte in Rome, Alexander Chituc and Jan Strupczewski in Brussels, Leigh Thomas in Paris, Christian Kraemer in Berlin, Alistair Smout in London, Leika Kihara in Tokyo; editing by Barbara Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •IEA member countries, including the U.S., Japan, Germany, France and UK, agreed on a 400 million‑barrel release—the biggest ever—to stabilize energy markets. The U.S. will contribute around 172 million barrels. (apnews.com)
- •Despite the release, prices stayed elevated—Brent crude topped $100—due to continued disruptions such as Iranian strikes, prompting warnings that the release is only a short‑term relief. (lemonde.fr)
- •IEA indicates more releases may follow if needed; meanwhile G7 and EU ministers are coordinating further targeted support for consumers and businesses to manage inflation without heavy blanket subsidies. (lemonde.fr)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Factbox-What G7 countries are doing to cap energy prices
1What actions are G7 countries taking to manage soaring energy prices?
G7 countries are coordinating emergency releases from oil reserves, targeted fuel subsidies, regulated tariffs, and measures to curb market volatility to address the impact of rising energy prices.
2How is the International Energy Agency involved in the energy price response?
The IEA coordinated a record release of 400 million barrels of oil from strategic stockpiles with contributions from all 32 member countries to stabilize supply.
3What specific support is France offering to counter energy price increases?
France is providing over 70 million euros in fuel subsidies for affected sectors and a 150 euro benefit for 3.8 million low-income households.
4What steps is the UK government considering to address energy inflation?
The UK is running a targeted £53-million package for heating oil users and is considering expanding the competition regulator's powers to prevent price gouging.
5How is Japan subsidizing gasoline prices?
Japan is using 800 billion yen in reserve funds for subsidies, aiming to keep gasoline at about 170 yen/litre, potentially costing 300 billion yen per month.
