Ankara: French President Emmanuel Macron has directed his government to step up efforts to secure fuel supplies and contain prices as rising costs put pressure on service stations, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said Wednesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, about 10% of stations have had difficulty with at least one fuel, Bregeon stated. She added that about nine in 10 of those stations belong to TotalEnergies. Bregeon mentioned that Macron had called for a 'total mobilization' on fuel supplies and price control.

She explained that TotalEnergies' decision to maintain a price cap on gasoline and diesel had attracted increased demand. 'That creates an influx of consumers, higher volumes sold than usual and a logistics chain that can sometimes come under pressure to restock, particularly after weekends,' Bregeon said. The government had provided the necessary exemptions, including allowing fuel trucks to operate on Sundays and public holidays, and would continue working with the industry.

Bregeon noted that there were no 'abnormal difficulties' in domestic logistics chains but that France was stepping up efforts to secure supplies internationally. 'The objective, in the coming days and weeks, is really for the president of the Republic to secure these supplies, secure the volumes,' including through other countries, she said. She also said the government was working on the possibility of greater flexibility in European regulations, including to 'loosen the system a little' for refineries.

Bregeon added that Macron was also holding regular discussions with US and Iranian counterparts, and countries in the region to work toward a rapid easing of tensions and the 'peaceful reopening' of the Strait of Hormuz. Fuel prices in France have risen sharply in recent weeks amid disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East, with gasoline and diesel prices reaching record levels. The rising prices have also prompted protests. About 100 fishermen and their supporters blocked a fuel depot in Frontignan in southern France on Wednesday.