France Faces Worsening Fuel Crunch as 11% of Stations Report Petrol, Diesel Shortages

France’s fuel supply crunch is worsening, with 11% of service stations reporting shortages of at least one type of petrol or diesel, according to the latest figures released by the French government.

Government data recorded at 9 am on September 18 showed that around one in every nine stations was facing supply difficulties. The figure has risen from 9% on Wednesday evening to 10% on Thursday and 11% on Friday morning.

The impact varies significantly by region. Grand Est recorded the highest proportion of affected stations at 16%, followed by Centre-Val de Loire and Occitanie at 14% each. Pays de la Loire reported shortages at 13% of stations.

Official Shortage Figure May Not Tell the Whole Story

The government’s statistics count a station as affected when it is short of at least one petrol or diesel product. However, the system does not classify a petrol shortage if another grade remains available.

For example, a station that has exhausted its SP95 supplies but still sells SP98 or SP95-E10 would not be counted as facing a petrol shortage.

The government monitors approximately 9,900 registered service stations, with E85 and LPG excluded from the calculation. This means the official 11% figure may not fully represent the difficulties motorists face when specific fuel grades are unavailable.

Diesel Prices Surge

The supply problems have coincided with a sharp increase in fuel prices.

Reuters reported that diesel averaged about €2.38 per litre on Thursday, close to its previous record. An AFP analysis using prices from more than 9,000 stations found that the average diesel price climbed above €2.39 per litre on Friday, exceeding the previous record set in April 2026.

Petrol prices have also moved higher. Reuters reported average Friday prices of €2.160 per litre for SP95-E10, €2.240 for SP95 and €2.250 for SP98.

According to AFP’s analysis, more than 700 stations were selling diesel for over €2.50 per litre, while around 70 stations were charging more than €2.70.

France Takes Steps to Protect Fuel Supplies

The French government has said it is working to secure fuel supplies and contain the impact of rising prices amid continuing tensions in the Middle East.

Officials have pointed to disruptions affecting major shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb. Authorities have also permitted measures aimed at boosting refinery production and modifying maintenance schedules to maximise fuel output.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has asked ministers to extend targeted assistance for industries hit by higher fuel costs until the end of the year.

The support measures include additional fuel assistance for fishermen and aid for farmers, construction companies and public works firms.

As shortages spread and fuel prices remain at record or near-record levels, motorists and industries that depend heavily on petrol and diesel are facing increasing pressure across France.