France secures diesel commitments from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain equal to 10% of consumption, with added supply aimed at lowering European prices

France has secured commitments from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to sell diesel equivalent to 10% of its consumption in the coming weeks, according to Elysee sources cited by the UAE-based National News. An Elysee adviser said the increased supply is intended to lower energy prices in Europe following public protests in France. The commitments came during a regional tour by French President Emmanuel Macron.

France had previously obtained guarantees from Saudi Arabia to buy 95,000 tonnes of diesel in each of October and November, for a total of 190,000 tonnes. The UAE and Bahrain are also expected to sell France 100,000 tonnes separately over an unspecified period in the coming weeks. The adviser linked the political commitments to France’s regional reliability and its previous deployment of air defense capabilities. French energy company TotalEnergies will handle the sales, and its CEO is accompanying Macron on the trip.

Separately, the UAE and France signed preliminary agreements in energy, artificial intelligence and advanced technology in Abu Dhabi to strengthen economic ties. The signing took place in the presence of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed and Macron.

The Abu Dhabi Media Office reported that the agreements involve French startup Ami Labs, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, computing company G42, Analog, Adnoc Gas and Schneider Electric. The parties will explore advanced technologies, improve operational efficiency and develop cloud infrastructure.