Media: Macron requests easing of EU fuel standards to boost production

Moscow (ANTARA) - French President Emmanuel Macron has requested European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to relax EU fuel quality standards so that refineries can increase production amidst high fuel prices in France, BFMTV reported on Monday (21/9).

Earlier on the same day, RTL radio reported that drivers in France have been intentionally bypassing regulations by filling their vehicles with fuel intended for agricultural machinery due to the high cost of regular fuel.

BFMTV also reported that some motorists in France have begun using rapeseed oil as fuel for diesel engines.

The report noted that Macron also urged von der Leyen to increase the proportion of biofuels in diesel fuel and to delay new EU obligations for fossil fuel importers, in order to strengthen European capacity and increase supply in the domestic market.

Earlier that day, France 3 reported that fishermen had blocked the port in the city of Cannes, France, as a form of protest against the lack of government action amidst record-high fuel surges.

On 11 September, French Finance Minister Roland Lescure stated that fuel prices, which surged following the conflict related to Iran beginning in February, would remain high for a long time.