Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu shared on the social media platform X that the government has given the Gravenchon refinery in northern France the green light to “rapidly increase its capacity.”

The move aims to stabilise domestic fuel supply and reduce the effect of international price swings on consumers and businesses, reflecting growing concern over energy security amid geopolitical tensions.

He cautioned that the spike in energy prices is already hitting critical sectors such as fishing, transportation, and agriculture, with ripple effects felt by households across the country.

“Concretely, this is directly affecting essential sectors … and therefore our daily lives,” he said.

Lecornu added that the government is collaborating with industry stakeholders to coordinate aid across sectors and assist the most vulnerable businesses in managing the shock, particularly through initiatives designed to ease cash flow pressures.

He also noted that relevant Cabinet ministers are set to unveil more details on these support measures in the coming days.

Regional tensions have continued to escalate since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on 28th February, resulting in more than 1,340 deaths, including that of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In response, Tehran has carried out drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military forces, causing casualties, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and air travel.