France runs short of diesel as Europe faces fuel supply warning

France is facing growing problems getting fuel to petrol stations, raising concerns about what a worsening diesel shortage could mean for drivers and households in Spain.

Around 15 per cent of French petrol stations were reporting shortages of at least one type of fuel on September 20, according to official figures reported by French broadcaster TF1. That works out at around 1,500 stations across the country.

The situation has deteriorated quickly, with the proportion affected rising from around 7 to 9 per cent in the middle of last week. France has not run out of fuel nationally, but the shortages are a warning of the pressure building across Europe’s diesel market.

Why is diesel becoming harder to find?

Several problems are hitting fuel supplies at the same time. Disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has reduced supplies reaching international markets, while problems affecting Middle Eastern oil infrastructure have added further pressure.

Russia is also producing and exporting less diesel after Ukrainian attacks damaged several of its refineries. Moscow has restricted exports to protect supplies for its own motorists and businesses.

European refineries are working hard to make up the shortfall, but diesel prices have risen sharply as countries compete for available supplies. According to Reuters, European diesel prices recently reached around €2.39 a litre, a record level.

France also has a problem of its own. TotalEnergies has capped prices at its French stations at €1.99 a litre for petrol and €2.25 for diesel. The cheaper fuel has attracted more drivers, meaning some stations are selling diesel faster than replacement deliveries can arrive. French government figures showed that around 90 per cent of stations reporting supply difficulties in mid-September belonged to TotalEnergies.

Could diesel prices rise more in Spain?

Drivers in Spain are already paying more at the pumps. Average Spanish diesel reached around €1.83 a litre in mid-September, while petrol was approaching €1.87. Prices could rise further if the European diesel market becomes tighter.

Spain is not currently experiencing a nationwide fuel shortage, and there is no indication that motorists should expect petrol stations to suddenly run dry. However, Spain is still part of the European fuel market. If refiners and fuel companies have to pay more to obtain diesel, those higher costs can eventually reach the pump. A prolonged shortage could therefore mean another round of increases for Spanish drivers.

Why higher diesel prices could affect everyone

Diesel is not just a drivers’ problem. Lorries and vans depend heavily on diesel to move goods around Spain. Farmers also use it to operate tractors and other machinery. Higher fuel costs can therefore work their way into the prices of food, building materials, parcels and other everyday goods.

Spanish farmers are already feeling the pressure. Agricultural diesel was reported at around €1.65 a litre earlier this month, with farming organisations warning that the higher cost is adding hundreds of millions of euros to the sector’s bills. Transport companies face the same problem.

A delivery company paying more for diesel has to absorb that extra cost or pass some of it on to customers. Taxis, coaches, buses and other commercial vehicles can also be affected.

Spain has some protection from a diesel shortage

Spain does have an important advantage over France. The country has a large refining industry capable of producing substantial quantities of fuel, while companies can also import refined diesel when it is available internationally. That means French-style shortages are not inevitable in Spain.

Much will depend on how long the problems affecting Russian and Middle Eastern supplies continue and whether global refineries can keep producing enough diesel to satisfy demand. Also, Spain’s diesel discount is also due to disappear at the end of September.

For British expats in Spain, the biggest concern is therefore not empty petrol stations at this stage. It is the possibility that diesel becomes considerably more expensive, pushing up the cost of driving, deliveries, farming, food and other everyday services.

With Europe heading into the autumn and winter months, France’s empty pumps are a warning worth watching.