France secures additional diesel supplies from Gulf states during Macron tour

French President Emmanuel Macron has secured significant commitments for increased diesel supplies during his diplomatic tour of the Gulf region in October 2026. The French government announced that the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain will each provide 100,000 tons of diesel per month. Including existing agreements for 95,000 tons from Saudi Arabia, these new deals account for approximately 295,000 tons monthly, representing slightly over 10% of France's total diesel consumption.

During his final stop in Riyadh, President Macron reached an agreement with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to extend the supply of these additional quantities for as many months as necessary to stabilize French fuel reserves. Furthermore, Kuwait has pledged to facilitate the delivery of diesel and kerosene to France’s overseas territories in the Indian Ocean, specifically Mayotte and Réunion. This route will bypass the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime traffic has been disrupted by ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran.

The tour has drawn domestic political criticism in France, particularly following instances of violence that occurred over the weekend. These diplomatic efforts aim to reduce pressure on energy markets and ensure national supply security amidst regional instability.