Fuel prices soar in France over West Asia war; Macron appeals for calm as protests spread

The impact of the war in the Middle East is now clearly visible in Europe. People have taken to the streets at the same time in Italy, France, Albania, Paris and Portugal. They are angry over the government's education policy, inflation, unemployment, corruption and rising fuel and gas prices. In many places, protesters are clashing with police. The conflict between Iran and the United States has hit oil supplies around the world and pushed fuel prices up sharply.

Ordinary people in France are now bearing the brunt. President Emmanuel Macron has also acknowledged that the Middle East war is directly linked to the higher fuel prices. A feeling is building across the world that this war was not needed and was imposed without reason. Some people say Netanyahu and Trump are responsible, because war was started with Iran for no reason. This is being discussed internationally.

The Middle East conflict has unsettled the world's energy markets. Concern over crude oil supplies has grown, particularly because of the crisis over the movement of ships in Hormuz. As a result, oil prices have risen in the international market, and this is affecting petrol and diesel rates in France. Costlier fuel has also pushed up the cost of transport, freight and everyday goods.

On October 17, protests were held across France. According to figures from France's Interior Ministry, about 550,000 people took part. The movement began over a shortage of teachers in schools, the quality of education and problems faced by students. It later grew into a larger movement against inflation and rising fuel prices. In some schools, protesters and police clashed. Shops were looted and vandalised, and there have also been incidents such as arson at government buildings.

President Macron has appealed to people for calm. To ease the impact of higher fuel prices, France has coordinated with G7 countries on energy supplies. The emphasis is on making oil reserves available again and restoring smooth movement of ships in Hormuz. Even so, public anger remains over inflation, rising daily expenses and gaps in public services. The economic fallout of the Middle East war has thus become a major challenge for France's domestic politics as well.