Macron Orders Action to Stabilize Fuel Supplies as Prices Rise

(MENAFN) French President Emmanuel Macron has instructed his government to intensify measures aimed at maintaining fuel availability and limiting price increases, as rising costs create challenges for service stations, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said Wednesday.

Bregeon reported that approximately 10% of fuel stations had encountered shortages involving at least one type of fuel. She explained that TotalEnergies accounted for roughly 90% of the affected locations.

In response to the situation, Macron called for a “total mobilization” to strengthen fuel distribution and manage prices, according to the spokesperson.

Bregeon attributed part of the supply pressure to TotalEnergies' decision to preserve a price ceiling on gasoline and diesel. The measure has encouraged more customers to purchase fuel from the company's stations, increasing demand.

“That creates an influx of consumers, higher volumes sold than usual and a logistics chain that can sometimes come under pressure to restock, particularly after weekends,” Bregeon said.

She noted that the government had already introduced required exemptions to support distribution, including permitting fuel transport trucks to operate on Sundays and public holidays. Authorities will continue coordinating with industry representatives to address potential supply challenges.

Although Bregeon said France's domestic logistics networks were not experiencing “abnormal difficulties,” she confirmed that the government was intensifying international efforts to secure adequate fuel supplies.

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