President Macron visits Gulf nations to secure energy supplies

French President Emmanuel Macron has launched a tour of Gulf nations, starting in Kuwait, to secure oil and diesel supplies to combat rising fuel costs and domestic protests in France. The mission aims to strengthen economic and defense partnerships in a region facing instability following recent conflicts.

In Qatar, French Ambassador Arnaud Bechu announced that negotiations between QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies have secured 2 terawatt-hours of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per month for France during the current winter season. Discussions are also ongoing between QatarEnergy and the French company Engie to further increase energy exports.

To ensure energy security, Macron and regional leaders, including the Emir of Qatar and the President of the UAE, are exploring alternative transport routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Proposed options include developing new pipelines, expanding railway infrastructure, and utilizing land routes to enhance supply chain resilience for both imports and exports between the Gulf and Europe.