Emmanuel Macron warns of the energy crisis / Sends “military assets” to Saudi Arabia

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the energy crisis was worsening and did not rule out cutting fuel taxes in an interview with the 8 p.m. newscasts on TF1 and France 2. The Élysée Palace leader promised that the authorities would do everything possible to prevent prices at the pump from skyrocketing.

France is mobilizing soldiers, radars and defense systems to protect the Saudi oil terminal at Yanbu, located on the Red Sea and frequently targeted by Houthi rebels. Depending on requirements, Paris could also send Rafale fighter jets. Macron stressed, however, that he does not want France to become involved in the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Iran-backed rebels.

The French president cited tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the war in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine as the main causes of the price increases. He said that supplies of diesel, gas and fuel oil are guaranteed until the end of the year, but warned of possible difficulties in 2027.

Macron also revived the proposal for a moratorium on attacks against energy and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, Russia and the Black Sea. He warned that France could become the target of an attack involving a drone loaded with explosives.