European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EC has begun work on a temporary measure to limit gas prices across the bloc.

"We are ready to discuss a cap on the price of gas that is used to generate electricity," she told MEPs in Strasbourg. "But we also have to look at gas prices beyond the electricity market."

Von der Leyen said she plans to "lay out a roadmap" for dealing with energy prices in a letter to EU leaders, who are expected to discuss energy issues at an informal summit in Prague on Friday.

The commission chief's comments came amid growing pressure from EU capitals. Last week, a group of 15 countries wrote a letter to the Commission urging it to set a price ceiling on gas imports.

Energy ministers from at least four EU countries -- Italy, Greece, Belgium and Poland -- are expected to meet Wednesday to come up with a joint approach to be presented to the Commission before Friday's meeting, three diplomats told POLITICO.

Von der Leyen also said she plans to intensify bilateral talks with EU energy partners and strengthen joint energy procurement efforts.