BERLIN (Xinhua) -- German Minister for Economics and Climate Action Robert Habeck on Wednesday criticized the "exorbitant" gas prices imposed by "friendly" supplier countries such as the United States .

"Some countries, even friendly ones, charge astronomical prices in some cases. Of course, this creates problems that we have to talk about," Habeck told the Neue Osnabruecker Zeitung newspaper.

Gas prices in Europe are now twice as high as they were before the start of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

He added, "The United States turned to us when oil prices rose, and the national oil reserves in Europe were also depleted. I think such solidarity would also be good for lowering gas prices."

Habeck also called on the EU to "pool its market power, coordinate smartly and make simultaneous purchases."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would prefer to discuss a cap on gas prices.