European energy and inflation pressures intensified as conflicts disrupted oil and gas routes and flows through the Strait of Hormuz. European Commission data showed EU petrol averaging €2.063 per litre and diesel €2.159 on 14 September, the highest readings in its series since 2005, putting the cost of a 50-litre tank at about €103 and €108 respectively. Eurozone energy inflation rose to 14.3% in August from 10.3% in July, while the broader euro-area inflation rate rose to 3.2% from 2.9% in the older reporting period. Brent crude rose above $126 a barrel during the conflict and was above $104 for delivery the following month, compared with about $72 before the war. Refining margins, distribution costs, excise duties and value-added tax also contributed to pump prices. The European Central Bank warned that renewed energy-supply disruptions could push prices higher for longer, while markets and prediction-market analysis pointed to a heightened likelihood of new crude-oil highs. OPEC, the IEA, energy ministers and upcoming policy announcements remain important indicators for supply responses.