Macron orders government mobilization as French fuel prices surge near record levels

High pump prices and domestic unrest

Fuel prices across France reached levels near four-year highs on 16 September 2026, prompting protests and supply disruptions across the country. French government data recorded unleaded SP98 at 2.24 euros per litre and SP95-E10 at 2.15 euros per litre, surpassing peaks from June 2022. Diesel reached nearly 2.35 euros per litre in official averages, while separate market reporting recorded pump prices reaching 2.68 euros for diesel and 2.49 euros for petrol. Roughly 10% of petrol stations faced supply difficulties on at least one fuel type. Protests expanded as approximately 100 fishermen blocked the Frontignan oil depot in the Hérault department on Wednesday, following earlier depot disruptions and scattered vandalism at service stations. French motorists in border areas traveled into Andorra and Belgium to purchase cheaper fuel.

Geopolitical conflict cuts Middle East oil flows

The surge in European energy costs follows the resumption of armed conflict in the Middle East. After a diplomatic pause supported by a June memorandum of understanding, hostilities between the United States and Iran restarted on 30 August. Brent crude oil rose above 108 dollars per barrel on 16 September, its highest level since May. Supply contracted as transit halted through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that previously handled 20% of global oil and gas, alongside disruptions in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. On 9 September, Iranian forces targeted around 20 vessels following American strikes, before striking an American naval drone in the Strait of Hormuz on 10 September.

Every day that passes where the conflict is not resolved, the balance between oil supply and demand tightens, and prices rise.

Government mobilisation and international supply talks

Following a Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron instructed the government to ensure total mobilisation regarding supply security and price containment. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon confirmed that France is pursuing alternative energy agreements to secure fuel volumes. On 14 September, Macron and Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaïdi issued a joint declaration at the Élysée Palace calling for diversified Middle Eastern export routes. The Iraqi government and French energy firm TotalEnergies agreed to hold formal discussions on large-scale investment projects to expand Iraqi crude extraction. Additional bilateral talks are scheduled with Canada during Macron's upcoming visit to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

Fiscal constraints and regulatory proposals

The French executive is also seeking regulatory adjustments from the European Union to ease operational rules for domestic refineries. However, budgetary constraints limit direct state intervention compared to previous energy shocks. During the 2022 energy crisis, the French state spent 70 billion euros in public funds, including 8 billion euros on universal fuel rebates, whereas committed measures in 2026 stand at approximately 1.4 billion euros.

If we were to reach three euros a litre, demand would drop very sharply and, mechanically, that would bring the price down.

Diesel remains critical across France, powering half of all passenger cars as well as heavy machinery in agriculture, road transport, and commercial fishing.