Full Breakdown
Macron Calls G7 Energy Summit Amid Fuel-Price Surge and Russian Hybrid Threat
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Core Event
On September 18, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that, as chair of the Group of Seven (G7), France will convene a G7 meeting “in the coming weeks” to address soaring energy prices, strengthen cooperation, and examine the possible release of strategic oil reserves. He also ordered a plan to protect France’s critical infrastructure and defence-industrial sites from “Russian hybrid attacks.”
Background & Context
European fuel markets have been destabilised by the United States-Iran confrontation, the war in Ukraine, and conflict in the Middle East. Crude prices rose about 20 % in September, with Brent crude reaching $108.30 on September 16, its highest level since May, and French diesel averaging €2.34 per litre that day.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released more than 300 million barrels of oil—part of the 400 million-barrel release agreed on March 11—to mitigate supply shocks.
Russian hybrid operations have intensified, exemplified by a drone strike on a Kyiv-Warsaw passenger train on September 13 and a frigate firing flares at a Danish helicopter on September 14, prompting French officials to describe the threat as “intensified.”
Data & Statistics
- Diesel price: €2.34 / litre (Sept 16)
- Fuel-station shortages: 11 % of stations reported no petrol or diesel on September 18
- IEA oil release: > 300 million barrels supplied (part of the March 11 agreement)
- Brent crude: $108.30 on September 16
Official Statements & Responses
Macron said, “In recent weeks, the threat – particularly the Russian hybrid threat – facing Europeans and France has intensified,” and directed the government to prepare a protective plan for critical infrastructure.
Energy Minister Maud Bregeon rejected broad fuel-tax cuts, noting a €15 billion cost to the state, and announced a targeted assistance scheme for “the most vulnerable French workers” to begin October 1. Commerce Minister Serge Papin confirmed that support for high-mileage drivers will continue until September 30.
Criticism & Opposition
National Rally figure Jordan Bardella argued that “the question of purchasing power was swept aside” during the briefing.
Les Républicains leader Bruno Retailleau said he had offered “a number of proposals” but criticized the lack of concrete solutions to lower energy prices.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In the coming weeks, we will have a G-7 meeting devoted to these energy issues, both to strengthen cooperation and to avoid unnecessary tensions between the G-7 countries and our main partners,” — Emmanuel Macron
- “The situation we face is serious. It is serious due to the international situation and the consequence of wars that we endure,” — Emmanuel Macron
- “In recent weeks, the threat – particularly ?the Russian hybrid threat – facing Europeans ?and France has intensified,” — Emmanuel Macron
- “I will convene a G7 to move forward on improving coordination on the level of stockpiles, with greater cooperation on exports and production capacity,” — Emmanuel Macron
What’s Next
The G7 energy meeting will be held “in the coming weeks,” with agenda items that include coordination on oil stockpiles, potential strategic-reserve releases, and measures to stabilise European fuel markets. France’s draft plan to shield critical infrastructure from Russian hybrid attacks is expected shortly. The targeted support scheme for vulnerable workers launches on October 1, and aid for high-mileage drivers expires on September 30.