Macron Calls for Urgent EU Action to Rein In Energy Prices

According to Donya-e-Eqtesad, French President Emmanuel Macron sent an official letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calling for urgent EU action to rein in and lower energy prices, a report first published by Les Echos and confirmed by the Elysee Palace on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 (31 Shahrivar 1405). Macron asked Brussels to delay new methane emissions rules by at least a year and temporarily ease refinery technical requirements to allow jet fuel and diesel output to rise by up to 20 percent. Citing the Financial Times, the report said the request follows a jump in European gas prices from 27 euros to 80 euros per megawatt hour and oil futures crossing 100 dollars a barrel amid an intensifying Middle East crisis. The European Commission had already delayed enforcement of methane rule penalties by three years, though importers say that does not resolve compliance challenges starting in 2027.