Explosions reported in Iran's Hormozgan province near Sirik
A single report describes explosions near Sirik in Iran's Hormozgan province, with cause and impact unconfirmed.
Event / Politics
Saudi Arabia-Houthi Conflict
Escalating military conflict between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces, including coordinated attacks on airports and energy infrastructure, with regional ceasefire violations and international responses.
6 reported locations
Daily activity
57 articles0 articles
2026-07-29 to 2026-10-26 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 11 Apr, 00:07 UTC
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What happened
Diesel prices in France reach 2.41 euros per liter, new record
The average price of diesel (gazole) in France reached 2.4097 euros per liter on September 20, 2026, according to data from more than 8,700 gas stations tracked on the government's Prix-carburants.gouv.fr website. This represents a new record high, surpassing the previous record set on September 19, 2026.
IEA authorized 400 million barrel strategic reserve release in March 2026
In March 2026, member countries of the International Energy Agency approved the release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves onto global markets, representing the largest coordinated emergency reserve operation ever organized by the agency.
SP95-E10 gasoline price exceeds 2.17 euros per liter in France
The SP95-E10, the most common gasoline sold in France, reached 2.17 euros per liter on September 20, 2026, marking the tenth consecutive day above its previous peak of 2.11 euros set in June 2022. SP98 gasoline exceeded 2.28 euros per liter during the same period.
Saudi Arabian East-West pipeline shut down following attacks in early September
Attacks in early September 2026 forced the closure of Saudi Arabia's East-West crude oil pipeline, which serves as an alternative export route to bypass the Strait of Hormuz and reach the Red Sea. The pipeline shutdown further constrained global oil supply.
President Macron announces G7 meeting on energy crisis response
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on September 19, 2026, plans to convene a G7 summit in the coming weeks to discuss coordinated responses to the energy crisis, including potential coordinated use of strategic petroleum reserves.
US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran on February 28 trigger Middle East energy crisis
American and Israeli military operations against Iran on February 28, 2026, initiated a major petroleum crisis in the Middle East that has disrupted global oil supply chains. The strikes contributed to reduced oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and damaged critical infrastructure in the region.
TotalEnergies caps fuel prices at 1.99 euros for gasoline and 2.25 for diesel
TotalEnergies gas stations implemented price caps of 1.99 euros per liter for gasoline and 2.25 euros per liter for diesel, making them significantly cheaper than competitors and independent retailers. These stations experienced severe fuel shortages due to high demand.
French government extends subsidy for fuel prices beyond September 30
French Commerce Minister Serge Papin announced on September 19, 2026, that government fuel subsidies targeting high-mileage drivers would continue beyond the originally planned September 30 expiration date. The government also extended a 15-cent-per-liter subsidy for farmers into September and October.
French government projects 5.4 percent budget deficit for 2026
The French Ministry of Economy announced on September 19, 2026, that the government projects a public deficit of 5.4 percent for 2026, an increase from the 5.1 percent deficit in 2025. National debt is expected to reach record levels in 2027 due to sustained high deficits.
Global crude oil inventories decline 507 million barrels since conflict start
The International Energy Agency estimated that global crude oil stocks fell by 507 million barrels since the beginning of the Middle East conflict, despite emergency reserve releases. This rapid depletion reflects the severity of supply disruptions in both the Middle East and Russia.
Oil traffic through Strait of Hormuz drops to 7.6 million barrels per day
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz declined to 7.6 million barrels per day in August 2026, down 13.1 million barrels per day from pre-conflict levels. This represents a significant reduction in global oil supply capacity.
French fishermen block petroleum depots in Mediterranean on September 18
Fishermen in the Mediterranean region blocked petroleum depots on September 18, 2026, in protest against rising fuel prices. The action reflected growing social tensions over the impact of the energy crisis on working professionals.
Crude oil (Brent) falls to approximately 105 dollars per barrel
Brent crude oil prices declined to approximately 105 dollars per barrel on September 19, 2026, down from levels approaching 110 dollars. Despite this decline, refined product prices remained elevated due to refining capacity constraints and transportation issues.
Three million French workers eligible for 100-euro fuel assistance payment
Approximately three million modest-income French workers who rely heavily on vehicle use became eligible to claim a flat-rate subsidy of 100 euros as part of government support measures implemented in early September 2026.
Saudi oil production declined in August 2026
Saudi Arabian crude oil production decreased during August 2026, contributing to global supply concerns and upward pressure on international oil prices amid regional instability.
French government considers new fuel subsidy for high-mileage drivers
French government spokesperson Maud Bregeon did not rule out introducing a new financial assistance programme for regular commuters in the coming months as fuel prices reached record levels, indicating potential policy response to rising petrol costs.
Political opposition emphasises purchasing power concerns ahead of French elections
French political figures including Marine Le Pen of the National Rally and Bruno Retailleau of The Republicans presented campaign proposals addressing housing costs and petrol prices as key purchasing power concerns for voters in the pre-election period.
Houthi forces seize Red Sea coast and Bab al-Mandeb strait
Houthi rebels aligned with Iran took control of the Yemeni coastline and islands in the Bab al-Mandeb strait on September 11, 2026. This strategic chokepoint handles approximately seven million barrels of oil per day and serves as a crucial bypass route for shipping between Europe and Asia via the Red Sea, circumventing the Iranian-blocked Strait of Hormuz.
Diesel prices in France approach April 2026 record at €2.35 per litre
Average diesel price reached approximately €2.35 per litre on September 15, 2026, approaching the absolute record of €2.38 per litre set in April 2026. This represents a significant rise of 4 cents in a single day and 14 cents over the preceding month.
US-Israeli strikes on Iran cause disruption to Strait of Hormuz
American and Israeli military strikes against Iran beginning February 27, 2026, resulted in near-complete paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz and numerous attacks on energy infrastructure, creating global supply chain concerns and contributing to rising oil prices.
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2 alternative perspectives
Houthis resume hostilities in July, then take Red Sea coastline in September
Houthis resumed fighting with Saudi Arabia in July, then took control of Yemen's Red Sea coastline in September.
Three killed in attacks at Dammam airport and Shaybah oil field
Three people were killed in Eastern Province incidents, while Saudi Arabia intercepted six drones, one aimed at Medina.
US orders non-essential embassy staff in Riyadh to depart with families
The US is ordering non-essential Riyadh embassy staff and their families to leave, and withdrawing families from four regional countries.
Israeli tank fire kills soldier; two deaths reported near security zone
Israeli tank fire killed a Lebanese soldier; two deaths reported in southern Lebanon ceasefire violations.
Global powers condemn Houthi airport attacks on Saudi Arabia
Global powers condemn Houthi airport attacks; Trump signals possible US military involvement in response.
Houthis maintain Bab el-Mandeb control as ground operations intensify
Houthis hold Bab el-Mandeb strait control despite failed government counteroffensive to recapture the strategic chokepoint.
Houthis execute four major operations against Saudi airports
Houthis executed four coordinated operations against Saudi airports, killing 14 people in two strikes on Riyadh facility.
Saudi coalition condemns airport strike as war crime; Iran urges political solution
Saudi coalition calls airport attack war crime; Iran advocates political resolution.
Houthis execute four major operations against Saudi targets in 24 hours
Houthis conducted four coordinated Saudi operations in 24 hours, killing 14 at Riyadh airport amid escalating attack cycles.
UN condemns attacks on civilian infrastructure amid regional escalation
UN condemns civilian infrastructure attacks as regional conflict escalates with airport strikes and retaliatory bombardment.
Airlines suspend Saudi flights as regional conflict disrupts air travel
Airlines suspend Saudi flights as conflict threatens regional aviation infrastructure.