Emmanuel Macron Photo Ludovic Marin/Reuters
Following a meeting of the Council of Ministers, government spokesperson Mod Brezhon stated that in the coming days and weeks the authorities must ensure the necessary volumes of fuel, including by increasing supplies from abroad. According to her, the aim is to ensure fuel availability whilst limiting price rises as much as possible, reports AFP.
The government is also discussing the possibility of greater flexibility in European regulation of the oil refining sector. In particular, Paris is considering the option of slightly relaxing the current requirements for refineries in order to increase the volume of fuel available on the domestic market.
The situation at petrol stations remains mixed. According to government data, around 10 per cent of stations are experiencing supply problems with at least one type of fuel. The vast majority of these petrol stations belong to the TotalEnergies network.
Brezon emphasised that French supply chains are generally not experiencing any unusual difficulties, whilst international supplies, on the contrary, have picked up significantly. The authorities hope this will prevent shortages and ease pressure on retail prices.
Rising fuel prices are already prompting calls for protests along the lines of the ‘Yellow Vests’ movement. In the Mediterranean, fishermen are also calling for a blockade of oil depots.
The government has not ruled out further measures, though no specific decisions have yet been announced. Brezon stated that the authorities are considering possible steps “with the utmost care”, without specifying a timeframe for their adoption.
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