Finance
Macron Reaffirms Efforts to Reopen Strait of Hormuz, as TotalEnergies Warns of Energy Shortages
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 25, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 25, 2026
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Macron pushes for reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure free navigation, while TotalEnergies warns the ongoing Iran‑war blockade could cause severe energy shortages within months.
Macron Urges Strait of Hormuz Reopening Amid Energy Shortage Fears
Global Energy Security at Risk Due to Strait of Hormuz Blockade
Macron's Diplomatic Efforts and Statements
April 25 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated on Saturday that he was focused on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a day after the head of TotalEnergies warned of global energy shortages if the Iran war continues for months.
Macron, speaking at a news conference in Athens alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said panic caused by geopolitical uncertainty can in itself lead to shortages.
Commitment to International Law and Navigation
"Our goal is to achieve a full reopening in the coming days and weeks, in accordance with international law, guaranteeing freedom of navigation without tolls on the Strait of Hormuz. Then things can gradually return to normal," Macron said.
Industry Warnings and Economic Impact
TotalEnergies CEO's Concerns
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne pressed on Friday for the reopening of the strait, through which about a fifth of the globe's oil and gas supply normally flows.
Consequences of Prolonged Disruption
"If it lasts two, three months more, we are entering in a world of scarcity of energy, which Asian countries have already suffered," Pouyanne told the World Policy Conference in Chantilly, outside Paris. "You cannot have 20% of the oil and gas of the planet being stranded and not accessible without major consequences."
Broader Trade and Supply Chain Implications
Movement through the strait, which is also a key transport route for goods including fertilisers and pharmaceuticals, has been choked due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, as Iran has seized container ships and the United States has mounted a blockade on Iranian ports.
International Response and Cooperation
Multinational Protection Initiatives
More than a dozen countries have said they are willing to join an international mission led by France and Britain to protect shipping in the strait when conditions permit, even as U.S. President Donald Trump has said he does not need allies' help.
Shared Global Stakes
"We're all in the same boat, and it's not a boat we chose, if I may say. We're victims of geopolitics and we're victims of this war that started several months ago," Macron said on Saturday.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Makini Brice in Paris; additional reporting by Claude Chendjou in Paris; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Key Takeaways
- •President Macron emphasized that panic—not just supply issues—can amplify energy scarcity, and called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to restore normal flows (apnews.com).
- •TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne warned that if the blockade persists for two to three more months, energy shortages will emerge, especially as around 20% of global oil and LNG flows remain stranded (iranoilgas.com).
- •More than a dozen countries have signaled readiness to join a France–UK‑led mission to secure navigation in the strait, though action remains contingent on improved security conditions (straitstimes.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Macron reaffirms efforts to reopen Strait of Hormuz, as TotalEnergies warns of energy shortages
1Why is the Strait of Hormuz significant for global energy supply?
Around a fifth of the world's oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making disruptions there critical for global energy markets.
2What actions is President Macron taking regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
President Macron is focused on efforts to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and guarantee freedom of navigation in line with international law.
3What has TotalEnergies warned about ongoing disruptions?
TotalEnergies CEO warned that if the strait remains closed for months, severe global energy shortages and scarcity will occur.
4How are other countries involved in addressing the Strait’s closure?
More than a dozen countries, led by France and Britain, have expressed willingness to join an international mission to protect shipping in the strait.
5What caused the current disruption in the Strait of Hormuz?
The disruption is linked to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, including ship seizures by Iran and a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
