Europe is facing a growing fuel crisis that has already affected millions of drivers and businesses. France felt the impact first: 12% of the country’s gas stations are unable to offer customers their usual fuel options. The cause is not only sharp increases in oil prices but also actual supply disruptions. Authorities attribute the situation to local logistical issues, but on the ground, there is heightened demand and long queues. TotalEnergies, the largest petrol station network, has seen an unusual surge in customers after setting price caps—€1.99 per litre of gasoline and €2.09 for diesel. These prices are much lower than the market average, further boosting demand and putting additional strain on fuel stocks.
In response to rising prices and the threat of shortages, the French government has allocated €130 million to support the most vulnerable industries—farmers and fishermen. This measure is aimed at cushioning the blow to agriculture and the food sector, where fuel is a major expense. Officials emphasize that these are still temporary difficulties, but on the ground, the outlook is different: many fear that the disruptions could persist and prices may continue to climb.
Germany and Slovenia
Germany, the second largest economy in Europe, is also preparing for possible disruptions. Economy Minister Katharina Reich has warned that if the conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel continues, fuel supply problems could arise as early as the end of April. Despite this, consumer protection organizations are urging people not to create an artificial shortage and not to hoard fuel. They believe that panic will only worsen the situation and lead to price spikes.
Strict limits are already in place in Slovenia: private individuals are allowed to purchase no more than 50 liters of fuel per day, while companies and farmers can buy up to 200 liters. The authorities claim fuel reserves are sufficient, but these measures are designed to prevent a sudden surge in demand and protect the domestic market. Such steps highlight how seriously governments are treating the threat of shortages and their willingness to act preemptively.
Spain: situation remains stable
Spain has not seen widespread fuel disruptions so far, but refineries have already adjusted their maintenance schedules to boost diesel output. This move comes amid rising prices and concerns about future supplies. According to russpain.com, the average price per liter for 95-octane gasoline in the country is €1.571, while diesel costs €1.875. Brent oil futures remain at $111 per barrel, which is reflected in prices at gas stations.
The Spanish government is closely monitoring the situation in neighboring countries and is ready to respond quickly to possible challenges. The country is already discussing support measures for transport companies and agricultural producers to minimize the impact of rising prices on the economy. For now, Spanish drivers can count on stable supplies, but experts do not rule out that the situation could change at any moment.
Impact on the market and consumers
The current instability in the European fuel market affects not only prices, but also logistics. Fuel station restrictions, queues, and increased transportation costs can lead to higher prices for many goods and services. Agriculture, fishing, and small businesses are particularly vulnerable, as fuel is one of their main expenses. Facing uncertainty, many companies are revising their budgets and seeking alternative solutions to reduce costs.
Consumers have to plan their trips and fuel purchases in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. In some regions of France and Slovenia, there are already cases where drivers have to visit several fuel stations to find the needed type of fuel. This situation highlights the importance of timely action by authorities and companies to prevent panic and supply disruptions.
TotalEnergies is the largest French energy company, operating a third of the country’s gas stations. In recent years, the company has actively implemented price caps and transparent fuel pricing policies, making it a key player in the market. Amid the crisis, TotalEnergies has drawn attention not only for its scale but also for its ability to influence price trends and fuel availability for millions of people in France. The company’s decisions often serve as benchmarks for other market players and spark lively debates among experts and consumers.
