Macron Urges EU to Ease Fuel Rules as Hormuz Crisis Bites
In a letter dated Sept. 18 addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Macron called for a temporary relaxation of European fuel quality specifications, greater flexibility around biofuel blending in diesel, and a delay to upcoming obligations facing fossil fuel importers. He argued the changes would "strengthen our short-term import and production capacity" and "increase the supply available on the domestic market," according to the letter.
Macron estimated that easing fuel quality requirements on a temporary basis could lift refinery output by 5% to 20%, depending on the facility — specifications that govern fuel density, vaporization limits and desulfurization thresholds. He pointed out that diesel sold on US roads can carry up to 15 parts per million of sulfur, compared with the EU's 10 ppm ceiling.
On biofuels, Macron proposed allowing wider use of B10 diesel, which permits up to 10% biodiesel content, versus the current B7 standard's 7% cap, arguing it could ease supply pressure and give the market added flexibility. The European Commission has previously noted that B10 carries a slightly lower energy content and could produce a marginal uptick in consumption.
Macron additionally pushed for a one-year delay to a rule set to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, that would require importers of crude oil, natural gas and coal to prove their suppliers meet EU-equivalent standards for measuring and controlling methane emissions — a requirement he warned could expose importers to added legal risk. The Commission has already recommended pushing back financial penalties tied to the rules until the end of 2029.
Underpinning the request, Macron cited severe disruption to global oil markets stemming from the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz since March, which he said has curbed global oil supply and reshaped hydrocarbon trade routes. He noted that global oil stocks have dropped by more than 500 million barrels, and cautioned that further disruption — including attacks on energy infrastructure in Russia and the Middle East, along with climbing demand from Asia — could tighten supplies even more. Should the Strait of Hormuz remain closed and Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline stay offline, Macron warned, global crude supply could shrink by at least another 4 million barrels per day, adding further upward pressure on prices.
Europe's vulnerability is especially acute in refined petroleum products, Macron said, noting the EU sources 36% of its kerosene imports and 18% of its diesel imports from the Middle East. He also called for "a clear acceleration at the European level on electrification efforts" and "moderation of natural gas consumption, particularly for heating needs."
Separately, the French government is set to unveil new relief measures for fuel-cost-hit households on Tuesday, with ministers presenting the package at a news conference at the Economy Ministry in Paris at 5 p.m. local time (1500 GMT). The announcement follows a round of meetings on fuel pricing held Monday at the prime minister's office. The Elysee Palace said France is also working to help facilitate a peaceful reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and to secure the country's energy supplies.
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