Fuel crisis in France: One in nine petrol pumps empty, diesel price breaks record

Middle East tensions, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and disruptions to other oil routes including Bab-el-Mandeb have created severe pressure on global energy supplies. As a result, one European country, France, is grappling with a serious fuel crisis.

The fuel crisis in France has reached extreme levels. According to the latest government data, about 11 percent of petrol pump stations nationwide — roughly one in nine — are struggling to maintain stock of at least one type of petrol or diesel.

The persistent shortage of fuel supply has hit consumers hard. Due to supply shortages, fuel prices at petrol pumps have surged sharply. In particular, the average diesel price has surpassed 2.39 euros per litre, breaking all previous national price records.

At more than 700 petrol pumps in France, high-grade diesel is being sold at over 2.50 euros per litre, while at many fuel stations it is being sold at up to 2.70 euros per litre.

Due to rising petrol and diesel prices and continuous disruptions in fuel supply, there is a huge crowd of motorists at petrol pumps, and the situation appears to be worsening. Regionally:

• Grand Est has 16 percent of fuel stations experiencing shortages.
• Centre-Val de Loire and Occitanie have 14 percent shortages.
• Pays de la Loire has 13 percent shortages.

Saudi Arabia's oil supply restrictions have added further pressure on European supplies. The situation has deteriorated to the point that French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed to the G-7 to release emergency reserves. Considering the growing supply disruptions, Macron has announced plans to convene a meeting of G-7 leaders. –Agency