Macron Begins Gulf Tour Focused on Fuel Supplies and Strategic Ties
The tour secured commitments for 295,000 tonnes of diesel a month, including 200,000 tonnes from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, officials said.
- On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron began a three-day Gulf tour to secure diesel and oil supplies, aiming to ease rising fuel costs after violent protests erupted across France over the cost of living.
- Supply chain disruptions caused by the US-Iran war prompted the tour, as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has constrained Gulf energy exports and fueled domestic price spikes and public anger in France.
- Macron secured 295,000 tonnes of monthly diesel from the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia—representing just over 10% of French consumption. TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne stated, "Our mission is primarily to secure supplies because there is a risk."
- Shipments to French overseas territories will bypass the Strait of Hormuz via Oman, the presidency said, while Gulf partners view France as reliable due to its sustained deployment of air defense capabilities in the region.
- Constitutional expert Benjamin Morel warned the tour may give "an impression of normality… but may also appear out of touch," while energy analyst Francis Perrin cautioned that Gulf states find firm commitments difficult until the region stabilizes.
215 Articles
215 Articles
France has been in shock for years after the heaviest riots, but Emmanuel Macron has now travelled through the Gulf states, defending himself by having to ensure the country's energy supply.
Macron seeks political oxygen in the Gulf petromonarchies. Agreements to guarantee the supply of diesel allow him to sign up for himself a bit diplomatic, but will hardly solve the social unrest
France's President Emmanuel Macron has surprisingly travelled to the Saudi capital Riyadh during his Middle East trip.
Emmanuel Macron travelled to Saudi Arabia for an unannounced visit where he secured an additional supply of 200,000 tons per month from the United Arab Emirates.
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, during his surprise stop in Riad as part of the several-day mission to the Persian Gulf, "had an interview this afternoon with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. (ANSA)
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