The rise in oil prices is causing concern among investors about potential stagflation, a combination of below-trend growth and above-treat inflation. The main concern is that the potential conflict in the Middle East could lead to stagflation. The European Commission is looking for quick fixes after companies warned they cannot compete with rivals in China and the US. If energy supplies are disrupted further, Brussels may introduce measures to encourage consumers to use less energy. However, critics argue that these measures would undermine longer-term climate laws aimed at moving Europe towards a cheaper, low-carbon energy system.