IRIA News

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French President Emmanuel Macron said France will convene a G7 meeting in the coming weeks to discuss rising global energy prices, strengthen cooperation on energy supplies and consider the possible release of strategic reserves.

Macron made the announcement on September 18, 2026, after a meeting at the Élysée Palace with French political leaders and senior security and intelligence officials. The meeting focused on the effects of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East on France’s security, energy supplies and economy.

“We will have in the upcoming weeks a G7 meeting that will be devoted to energy issues, to increase cooperation and avoid unnecessary tensions between G7 countries and our main partners,” Macron said.

France currently holds the G7 presidency and hosted the group’s annual summit in Évian in June. The upcoming meeting will focus on coordinating energy stock levels, increasing cooperation on exports and production capacity, and examining options for releasing strategic reserves.

Energy Prices Rise Amid Regional Conflicts

Macron said the international security situation is having a direct effect on energy prices in France and other countries.

He pointed to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as damage to energy infrastructure linked to the war in Ukraine. The disruptions have affected crude oil, diesel, jet fuel and natural gas supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted, while attacks by Houthi forces have reduced the amount of oil that can be moved through alternative routes from Saudi Arabia. Macron said the situation has contributed to a sharp increase in energy prices around the world.

France is particularly focused on securing supplies of diesel, jet fuel and natural gas. The government is also working with major energy suppliers, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Nigeria, to secure additional supplies.

The French government has also been working on alternative energy corridors and additional pipeline routes to reduce dependence on vulnerable supply routes.

G7 to Consider Strategic Reserves

Macron said the G7 meeting will look at ways to improve coordination among member states on energy stocks and supply security. The meeting could also consider releasing or unlocking strategic energy reserves if necessary.

“We will have in the coming weeks a G7 that will be devoted to these energy issues,” Macron said, adding that the goal would be to increase cooperation and avoid unnecessary tensions between G7 members and major partner countries.

France is also seeking greater coordination at the European level. Macron said he would ask the European Commission to accelerate work on gas storage and examine measures that could help reduce pressure on energy prices.

France says its own gas storage levels are on track for the winter, but Macron warned that Europe as a whole remains more exposed to gas supply risks.

Protection Plan Against Russian Hybrid Attacks

The energy crisis was discussed alongside growing security concerns linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Macron said Russia’s hybrid threat against France and other European countries has intensified.

He said the government had been instructed to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive sites in France’s defense industrial and technology sectors against drone and cyberattacks.

“The Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and against France has intensified,” Macron said. French intelligence and security officials briefed political leaders on recent cyberattacks, information operations and other incidents attributed to Russia.

Macron also referred to recent drone-related incidents in Europe, including an attempted attack at Leipzig airport in Germany. French officials said the incident showed how Russian activity could increasingly target European infrastructure.

Macron said France must strengthen its protection against foreign interference, cyberattacks and other forms of hybrid activity.

Avoiding Further Energy Pressure

Macron also addressed growing pressure over higher fuel prices and the impact on French households.

He said the government would review existing support measures and adjust them where necessary, but warned against large-scale spending that could increase France’s budget deficit or taxes.

“The situation is very hard,” Macron said, adding that the government was working to protect households and businesses while securing energy supplies. Macron argued that the immediate focus should be on addressing the international causes of the price increases and securing energy supplies rather than relying only on expensive domestic measures.

Global oil prices have risen sharply in September as fighting and supply disruptions have affected major energy routes and infrastructure. Brent crude was trading around $104 per barrel on Friday after falling from recent highs as diplomatic efforts sought to reduce disruptions in the Middle East.

Security and Energy Concerns

Macron’s comments highlight how France is treating energy security and national security as closely connected issues. The government is seeking to diversify energy supplies, strengthen strategic stocks and protect infrastructure while also preparing for potential cyber and drone attacks.

The French president said the country would continue supporting Ukraine while maintaining channels of communication with Russia.

France is also working with other G7 members and international partners to improve energy security and reduce the impact of supply disruptions.

The planned G7 meeting is expected to focus on practical measures to coordinate energy stocks, maintain supplies, and strengthen cooperation as conflicts in Europe and the Middle East continue to affect global energy markets.