Five European Union finance ‌ministers are calling for a tax on windfall profits of energy ​companies in reaction to ​rising fuel prices due to the ⁠Iran war, according to ​a letter from the ministers to ​the EU Commission seen by Reuters on Saturday.

The finance ministers of Germany, ​Italy, Spain, Portugal and Austria ​made the joint call in a letter ‌dated ⁠Friday, saying such a measure would be a signal that "we stand united and are able ​to ​take action".

"It ⁠would also send a clear message that those ​who profit from the ​consequences ⁠of the war must do their part to ease the ⁠burden ​on the general ​public," they wrote.