UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to boost diesel supplies to France

France has secured commitments from the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to increase diesel supplies in the coming weeks, with the shipments expected to cover the equivalent of around 10% of the country’s usual diesel consumption, according to French government sources.

The agreements were secured during French President Emmanuel Macron’s Gulf tour as his government seeks to ease pressure from rising energy costs and address concerns over fuel availability. The additional supplies are also intended to help ease European energy prices, which have contributed to public discontent and protests in France.

The UAE and Bahrain have each committed to supplying 100,000 tons of diesel per month, although the duration of those arrangements has not been specified. Saudi Arabia has committed to supplying 95,000 tons a month in October and November, amounting to 190,000 tons over the two months.

The sales will be channeled through French energy company TotalEnergies, whose chief executive, Patrick Pouyanné, accompanied Macron on the trip. Pouyanné said France needed to secure supplies because it runs a diesel deficit and is a major importer. He added that the Saudi commitment was intended to ensure supplies continue beyond November.

European diesel prices have climbed to nearly $200 a barrel, compared with around $80 at the start of 2026, amid the war in Iran and Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. The price increases have added to the cost-of-living pressures facing France, where some recent protests have turned violent.

Beyond energy, Macron’s visit has also focused on strengthening economic and defense ties with the UAE. On Tuesday, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Macron witnessed the exchange of a strategic defense partnership framework between the two countries in Abu Dhabi.

The framework was exchanged by Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Defense Affairs, and Catherine Vautrin, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs.

The two leaders also witnessed the exchange of an agreement on implementing arrangements related to the defense industry. Separately, France and the UAE announced preliminary agreements covering energy, artificial intelligence and advanced technology, including cooperation involving Abu Dhabi-based companies and French start-up AMI Labs.