ISTANBUL

Facing supply pressures linked to the ongoing Iran war and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the French government on Thursday authorized the temporary sale of diesel that does not fully meet normal specifications.

The measure, published in the Journal Officiel, raises the cold filter plugging point from minus 15C (5F) to 0C (32F), meaning the fuel may become unusable in freezing temperatures.

According to the decree, drivers are responsible for any engine or filter issues, and distributors must inform customers of the change.

Other technical standards, including cetane index, sulfur content, and fuel cleanliness, remain unchanged.

The decision comes amid a sharp rise in diesel prices, which increased from nearly €1.7 per liter (about $1.97) in late February to nearly €2.2 (about $2.56) by late March, an almost 30% jump in less than a month.

The regional escalation in the Middle East has continued since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

The Strait of Hormuz has also been effectively throttled since early March. Around 20 million barrels of oil normally pass through it daily, and its disruption has driven up shipping costs and pushed global oil prices higher.