Macron says France is trying to avoid fuel shortages and will use military to protect Saudi oil ports

China News Service, Paris, September 24 (Reporter Li Yang) French President Macron said on the evening of the 24th local time that France was making every effort to avoid fuel shortages.

Macron made the above statement while participating in a joint talk show on France 1 and France 2 that night. He elaborated on the impact of the international situation on oil prices, expressed his hope to take diplomatic action and strive to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and hoped that G7 members could discuss the release of strategic oil reserves. He warned that if the United States bans oil exports, it will continue to push up oil prices.

Macron also said France would use military means to help protect Yanbu, Saudi Arabia's important oil export port. He revealed that this decision was determined with Saudi Arabia. He also said that French troops had no intention of getting involved in the conflict but to protect port facilities.

Talking about the rise in prices caused by rising oil prices, Macron said that the government is paying close attention to economic trends and if prices continue to rise, the government will do its best to help the people. He said he did not rule out lowering fuel taxes, but pointed out that the economic cost of lowering fuel taxes would be high.

French fuel prices have risen rapidly recently, attracting attention from all walks of life in France. The current average price of diesel in France is 2.41 euros per liter, which is at a historical high; the average price of France's best-selling SP95-E10 gasoline has also risen to 2.17 euros per liter. The French government this week launched aid measures totaling 450 million euros to deal with rising oil prices.

In addition, Macron also talked about budget issues, reiterated that members of the National Assembly should adopt a responsible attitude when reviewing the budget draft, and ruled out the possibility of dissolving the National Assembly in the near future. He still refused to comment on the 2027 French presidential election.

Major French trade union organizations are planning to hold a cross-industry strike on September 29 to oppose the draft budget and demand improved treatment of public employees. The Paris public transport system is also preparing to go on strike at the same time. (over)