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France’s fuel crunch is worsening, with 11% of service stations reporting supply problems as diesel prices climb to record or near-record levels.
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Fuel shortages are worsening across France, with 11% of service stations reporting supply problems with at least one type of petrol or diesel, according to the latest figures from the French government.
The official data, recorded at 9 am on September 18, shows that roughly one in nine stations across the country was facing supply difficulties. The share of affected stations has risen steadily, from 9% on Wednesday evening to 10% on Thursday and 11% on Friday morning.
The situation is particularly severe in some regions. Grand Est recorded the highest share of affected stations at 16%, followed by Centre-Val de Loire and Occitanie at 14% each, while Pays de la Loire stood at 13%.
Official Figures May Understate Shortages
The government’s figures measure stations experiencing a supply shortage in at least one petrol or diesel category. However, the methodology does not count a petrol shortage if a station still has at least one petrol grade available.
For example, if a station has run out of SP95 but still has SP98 or SP95-E10, it is not classified as being in difficulty for petrol. The government tracks availability across around 9,900 registered service stations, excluding E85 and LPG from the calculation.
This means the official 11% figure may not fully capture the difficulties motorists face when particular fuel grades are unavailable.
Diesel Prices Hit Record Levels
The worsening supply situation comes as fuel prices continue to climb.
Reuters reported that diesel was averaging around €2.38 per litre on Thursday, close to the previous record. Separately, an AFP calculation based on prices reported by more than 9,000 stations found that the average price of diesel had crossed €2.39 per litre on Friday, surpassing its previous April 2026 record.
Petrol prices have also risen. Reuters reported that on Friday, SP95-E10 averaged €2.160 per litre, while SP95 stood at €2.240 and SP98 at €2.250.
More than 700 French stations were also reporting diesel prices above €2.50 per litre, with around 70 charging more than €2.70, according to AFP’s analysis.
Government Moves To Ease Pressure
The French government has been taking measures to address the impact of higher fuel prices and supply pressures.
The government said it was working to secure fuel supplies and manage price increases amid tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb. It has also allowed measures to increase refinery output and adjust maintenance schedules to maximise production.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has also asked ministers to extend targeted support for sectors hit by rising fuel prices until the end of the year. The measures include increased fuel assistance for fishermen, along with support for farmers and construction and public works companies.
With fuel availability deteriorating and prices reaching record or near-record levels, France is facing growing pressure from both motorists and sectors heavily dependent on fuel.
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Ask News18According to official figures recorded by the French government on September 18, 11% of service stations across the country are facing supply problems with at least one type of petrol or diesel, rising steadily from previous days.
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Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More
September 19, 2026, 9:11 PM IST
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