To Prevent Fuel Shortages, France Allows Sale of Substandard Diesel

Moscow (ANTARA) - The French government has granted temporary permission for the sale of fuel that does not meet technical standards, according to a report by BFMTV on Thursday (26/3). French Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure had previously stated that the energy market conditions in the country are not as serious as in other European Union countries. The permitted fuel is reportedly less resistant to low temperatures due to differences in the cold filter plugging point — the highest temperature at which a diesel engine can still start and operate. This policy has been adopted to address the potential shortage of diesel amid global energy price instability, the report stated. The normal standard in France requires diesel engines to operate at temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius. On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, including in Tehran, causing damage and killing civilians. Iran then retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East. This escalation has led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas from Gulf countries to global markets. The disruption has also affected oil exports and production in the region and driven up global energy prices.