ISTANBUL

France has asked one of its largest oil refineries to ramp up production as the government moves to mitigate the impact of rising global energy prices linked to the Mideast conflict, the country’s prime minister said Monday.

Sebastien Lecornu said on US social media company X that the government has authorized the Gravenchon refinery in northern France to “rapidly increase its capacity” in a bid to stabilize supply and limit the impact of global price volatility.

He warned that the surge in prices is already having a direct impact on essential sectors, including fishing, transport, and agriculture, with knock-on effects for households.

“Concretely, this is directly affecting essential sectors … and therefore our daily lives,” he said.

The government is also working with industry stakeholders to coordinate support across sectors and help the most vulnerable businesses weather the shock, particularly through measures aimed at easing cash flow pressures, he added.

Lecornu also said relevant Cabinet ministers are expected to present further details on support measures in the coming days.

Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.