Portugal's Minister: strategic oil reserves are to be used in supply emergencies

BRUSSELS, March 9 (Reuters) - Portuguese Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento said on Monday the war in Iran has an impact on the price of oil and gas in Europe, but not on supply and the use of strategic reserves should be limited to supply emergencies.

He also said one week after the beginning of the crisis it is too early to estimate its effects on the economies of the euro area and whether the European Central Bank may make changes to its monetary policy.

He spoke in Brussels ahead of a meeting of euro zone's finance ministers.