France is grappling with a deepening fuel crisis as new government data reveals that roughly 11% of the nation's service stations are struggling to maintain stock of at least one type of petrol or diesel. This marks an increase from 9% earlier in the week, fueled by motorists rushing to pumps amidst soaring prices and ongoing distribution disruptions.
Soaring Prices and Widespread Shortages
The supply pinch is accompanied by a sharp rise at the pump. Diesel prices have averaged past €2.39 per litre, establishing new national price records. Over 700 stations nationwide are seeing high-end grades exceed €2.50 per litre, with dozens pushing past €2.70 per litre. Regional disparities highlight the severity, with Grand Est reporting shortages at 16% of its stations, followed by Centre-Val de Loire and Occitanie at 14%, and Pays de la Loire at 13%.
Industry analysts caution that the actual situation on the ground may be more severe than official figures suggest. Government methodology only registers a station as having a petrol shortage if all petrol grades are completely depleted, potentially masking partial stockouts.
Complex Causes Behind the Crunch
French officials maintain that the crisis is primarily logistical rather than a total collapse of crude supply. However, several factors are straining domestic distribution:
- Global Shipping Tensions: Disruptions in critical transit corridors are impacting supply chains.
- Refinery Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance has reduced domestic processing capacity.
- Distribution Bottlenecks: Localised issues are hindering the efficient movement of fuel.
- Saudi Aramco Cutoffs: European refiners have been informed of no crude oil deliveries under term contracts in October following an attack on the East-West pipeline.
- Russian Export Restrictions: Russia's extended limitations on diesel exports exacerbate existing bottlenecks across Europe.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Facing escalating disruptions, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to convene G7 leaders. The goal is to coordinate international stock levels, export capacities, and production limits, with Macron urging a coordinated release of emergency strategic oil stocks to stabilise energy markets. Unlike the United States, European emergency reserves hold significant volumes of refined products, offering a direct mechanism to inject fuel into the market.
In response to mounting pressure, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has instructed ministers to prepare extended, targeted financial assistance through the end of the year. These measures aim to protect heavily impacted sectors, including fishermen, farmers, and public works operators, from crippling transport costs. Additionally, French authorities are actively working to secure alternative contracts for diesel, jet fuel, and natural gas in the coming months, while adjusting domestic refinery schedules to maximise output.