Macron secures 295,000 tonnes of diesel per month from Gulf states amid France unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron has secured commitments for around 295,000 tonnes of diesel per month from Gulf suppliers during a four-day tour of the region, the French presidency said on Tuesday.

The UAE agreed to supply approximately 100,000 tonnes per month, with Bahrain committing to a further 100,000 tonnes. Combined with earlier commitments from Saudi Arabia of approximately 95,000 tonnes per month, the total reaches 295,000 tonnes per month — representing around 10 percent of France's consumption, the Élysée Palace said.

France has also released 10 million barrels of diesel from its strategic reserves, aiming to cut prices by 12 to 18 cents, or around 5 to 8 percent, from next month. Patrick Pouyanné, head of French oil giant TotalEnergies, who is accompanying Macron on the trip, said the deals would "reassure the French".

Macron's tour — covering the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar — comes as crude oil prices have soared during the eight-month United States-Iran war, with Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting Gulf energy exports. Violent protests over soaring living costs erupted in France over the weekend.

Kuwait gave "very clear commitments" to deliver diesel and kerosene to French overseas territories Mayotte and Reunion, with shipments to be sent via Oman to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

France and the United Kingdom have assembled an international mission to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz through de-mining operations once the US and Iran reach an agreement, though the two sides remain at an impasse. Talks are also under way with regional countries to reduce maritime insurance prices so that companies can ship greater quantities through the strait.