Khaberni - The French government has temporarily allowed the sale of fuel that does not comply with technical standards, amid concerns about a shortage of diesel fuel in the country due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East, according to BFMTV.
French Minister of Economy and Finance Roland Le Cour earlier stated that the situation in the energy market in the Republic, against the backdrop of the escalation in the Middle East, is not as serious as it is in several other European Union countries.
A report from the channel, quoting the French Official Journal which published the text of the decision, stated: "In light of unprecedented supply difficulties (energy) linked to the conflict around Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the government resorted to exceptional measures, and temporarily allowed the sale of diesel fuel which 'does not comply (with special standards)' and does not fully meet the usual technical standards."
According to the channel's information, the fuel allowed to be sold is less resistant to low temperatures due to the difference in the filter temperature threshold (the highest temperature at which a diesel engine can be operated). According to the usual French standards, diesel fuel must be usable at temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius, but under the new exemptions, fuel that can only be operated by engines from zero degrees Celsius will be allowed for sale, as explained by BFMTV.
Due to this significant difference in threshold temperatures, the government has asked oil companies to inform customers about the characteristics of the fuel they are selling to them, especially in mountainous areas and in case of temperature drops. According to the government decision, companies will also bear full responsibility in case the lower quality fuel they sell causes engine failure. Otherwise, the technical standards for fuel remained unchanged, as stated in the report.
This measure aims to prevent a potential diesel fuel shortage in the country amidst the instability associated with international fuel prices, according to the report.
On February 28, the United States and Israel began launching strikes on targets in Iranian territory, including Tehran, with reports of civilian casualties and destruction. Iran is conducting retaliatory strikes on Israeli territory, as well as on American military facilities in the Middle East region.
The escalation around Iran has led to an actual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the main passage for oil and liquefied natural gas supplies to the global market from the Gulf countries, and has affected the level of oil export and production in the region. In light of these events, fuel prices have risen in most countries around the world.
