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Macron asks Brussels to ease fuel specs and allow B10 diesel as France faces fuel crisis
In a letter dated September 18 to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron asked Brussels to temporarily ease EU fuel quality specifications (density, desulfurization) and to permit diesel with 10% biodiesel (B10) instead of the current B7 standard, as emergency measures amid a diesel crisis in France. Diesel prices in France climbed to about 2.39 euros per liter, and between 14% and 16% of the country's filling stations reported shortages of at least one fuel type in mid-to-late September 2026. French refiners estimate the changes could lift domestic fuel production by 5% to 20%. According to dpa, Macron proposed that, after consultation with automakers, a time limit be set for the relaxed rules.