Macron secures extra 200,000 tonnes of diesel a month from UAE and Bahrain during Gulf tour, Élysée says
The French presidency said the commitments, added to deliveries from Saudi Arabia, bring France to 295,000 tonnes a month, just over 10% of its consumption. The fuel is to travel overland via Oman, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
French President Emmanuel Macron has secured commitments for an additional 200,000 tonnes of diesel a month from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain during a tour of the Gulf, the French presidency said on Tuesday 20 October, according to AFP via CBS News.
The Élysée said the UAE committed to about 100,000 tonnes a month and Bahrain to a further 100,000 tonnes. Together with deliveries from Saudi Arabia, France now has commitments for 295,000 tonnes a month, just over 10% of its consumption, the statement said.
The shipments will be sent overland via Oman, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, the presidency said. AFP reported that some experts have questioned whether the deliveries will affect fuel prices in France, given the risk of renewed fighting in the region.
Macron’s trip came after a weekend of protests in France over living costs and public services, some of which turned violent. CNBC reported that the trip has drawn criticism in France while the unrest continues.
Background: Fuel prices have risen since the United States and Israel began strikes on Iran in February 2026 and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted. In early October, G7 countries, chaired this year by France, agreed to release up to 100 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, according to CBS News.
See also: France: Lecornu says curfews helped bring a calm night.
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