Macron secures Qatari LNG and Gulf diesel supplies as France faces fuel-price unrest

Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron ended a three-day tour of Gulf states, visiting Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, with a later stop in Saudi Arabia, as France seeks to stabilise energy prices amid violent protests over the rising cost of living. According to his advisers, France secured in-kind compensation for its role as a security ally to Gulf states: LNG shipments from Qatar and diesel sales from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, equal to 10 per cent of French consumption. In Doha, Macron said France had secured the equivalent of two terawatt-hours per month of LNG for the winter period. In Riyadh he held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the French presidency said the visit showed solidarity with the kingdom against Houthi attacks and aimed to diversify hydrocarbon supplies. France is bracing for renewed protests on Saturday after a weekend of demonstrations that turned into rioting and looting, and authorities have introduced curfews.

Timeline

1. The National

   21 Oct 2026, 08:47 UTCSource ↗

   The National reports that Macron said on Wednesday he had secured gas supply guarantees from Qatar during his Gulf tour, equal to two terawatt-hours per month of LNG for the winter period, as he seeks to stabilise energy prices after violent protests.

2. The National

   22 Oct 2026, 08:08 UTCSource ↗

   The National reports that France secured in-kind compensation for its security role with Gulf states, in the form of LNG from Qatar and diesel sales from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, equal to 10 per cent of French consumption, aimed at a domestic audience facing unrest over energy prices.