Macron lands in Riyadh to secure diesel for France

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Riyadh on 21 October 2026 for a surprise visit, according to France 24. He met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Al Yamamah Palace, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. The meeting focused on regional security and France’s support for Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia agreed to supply France with extra diesel for as many months as necessary, according to the French presidency. France also secured commitments of 100,000 tonnes per month from the UAE and 100,000 tonnes from Bahrain, bringing total monthly supplies to 295,000 tonnes, according to Al Jazeera. This represents just over 10 percent of France’s diesel consumption.

Macron stated that France would send military assets to help shield the Yanbu port from Houthi attacks, according to France 24. Earlier, he said France would send “military means” to protect the port, according to the same outlet. The United Kingdom also announced deployment of fighter jets to assist Saudi Arabia, according to Al Jazeera.

The visit came after a surge in Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has threatened Saudi oil exports. France’s Gulf tour also secured a gas agreement in Qatar, covering 2 terawatt‑hours of LNG for winter, according to Euronews.