France is facing growing problems getting fuel to petrol stations, raising concerns about what a worsening diesel shortage could mean for drivers and households in Spain.

Around 15 per cent of French petrol stations were reporting shortages of at least one type of fuel on September 20, according to official figures reported by French broadcaster TF1. That works out at around 1,500 stations across the country.

The situation has deteriorated quickly, with the proportion affected rising from around 7 to 9 per cent in the middle of last week. France has not run out of fuel nationally, but the shortages are a warning of the pressure building across Europe’s diesel market.

Why is diesel becoming harder to find?

Several problems are hitting fuel supplies at the same time. Disruption to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has reduced supplies reaching international markets, while problems affecting Middle Eastern oil infrastructure have added further pressure.

Russia is also producing and exporting less diesel after Ukrainian attacks damaged several of its refineries. Moscow has restricted exports to protect supplies for its own motorists and businesses.

European refineries are working hard to make up the shortfall, but diesel prices have risen sharply as countries compete for available supplies. According to Reuters, European diesel prices recently reached around €2.39 a litre, a record level.

France also has a problem of its own. TotalEnergies has capped prices at its French stations at €1.99 a litre for petrol and €2.25 for diesel. The cheaper fuel has attracted more drivers, meaning some stations are selling diesel faster than replacement deliveries can arrive. French government figures showed that around 90 per cent of stations reporting supply difficulties in mid-September belonged to TotalEnergies.

Could diesel prices rise more in Spain?

Drivers in Spain are already paying more at the pumps. Average Spanish diesel reached around €1.83 a litre in mid-September, while petrol was approaching €1.87. Prices could rise further if the European diesel market becomes tighter.

Spain is not currently experiencing a nationwide fuel shortage, and there is no indication that motorists should expect petrol stations to suddenly run dry. However, Spain is still part of the European fuel market. If refiners and fuel companies have to pay more to obtain diesel, those higher costs can eventually reach the pump. A prolonged shortage could therefore mean another round of increases for Spanish drivers.

Why higher diesel prices could affect everyone

Diesel is not just a drivers’ problem. Lorries and vans depend heavily on diesel to move goods around Spain. Farmers also use it to operate tractors and other machinery. Higher fuel costs can therefore work their way into the prices of food, building materials, parcels and other everyday goods.

Spanish farmers are already feeling the pressure. Agricultural diesel was reported at around €1.65 a litre earlier this month, with farming organisations warning that the higher cost is adding hundreds of millions of euros to the sector’s bills. Transport companies face the same problem.

A delivery company paying more for diesel has to absorb that extra cost or pass some of it on to customers. Taxis, coaches, buses and other commercial vehicles can also be affected.

Spain has some protection from a diesel shortage

Spain does have an important advantage over France. The country has a large refining industry capable of producing substantial quantities of fuel, while companies can also import refined diesel when it is available internationally. That means French-style shortages are not inevitable in Spain.

Much will depend on how long the problems affecting Russian and Middle Eastern supplies continue and whether global refineries can keep producing enough diesel to satisfy demand. Also, Spain’s diesel discount is also due to disappear at the end of September.

For British expats in Spain, the biggest concern is therefore not empty petrol stations at this stage. It is the possibility that diesel becomes considerably more expensive, pushing up the cost of driving, deliveries, farming, food and other everyday services.

With Europe heading into the autumn and winter months, France’s empty pumps are a warning worth watching.

Dog owners and lovers have a treat in store, as Casares Costa gets ready to welcome its beloved pets festival back for another helping of fun, learning and tail-wagging togetherness.

What’s happening at this year’s celebration

Jardines del Rosario opens up its gardens on Sunday, September 27 from 11am for Guau Fest, or “Woof Fest” if you prefer! Casares Town Hall organises the free family gathering together with Comunicacion Al Dente, weaving it into the wider “Deja Huella” (Leave a Mark) awareness campaign that encourages owners to clean up after their dogs and treat animals with care and respect.

Visitors can browse stalls selling pet products and services, listen to talks on canine training and behaviour, and let children loose on workshops designed just for them. The debut edition featured face painting, balloon modelling and a costumed character visit for younger guests, giving a flavour of what families might find this time round.

Treats, workshops and a canine cookery class

New additions this year include a dog illustration workshop and a canine bakery session, where owners can learn to whip up homemade snacks for their pets. Free gifts under the “Casares Dog Lovers” banner will also be handed out, with food and drink stalls on hand to keep hungry humans fuelled.

A Canine Unit will demonstrate the impressive work carried out by assistance and detection dogs, giving the public a rare glimpse of these highly trained animals in action. La Linea’s Local Police are bringing their own handlers and dogs to the festival, building on the involvement seen at previous gatherings.

Getting involved

Businesses, associations and animal-related entities keen to take part can reach organisers on 650 163 356 or via Instagram at @guau.fest. Entry is completely free, and everyone is invited to bring their pets and join in. For more information visit the Casares Town Hall website and FaceBook pages.

Grab your pen and pop it in the  diary as Velez-Malaga’s Real Feria de San Miguel 2026 is almost here, and the town hall has confirmed a headline-packed line-up bringing music, dancing and free entertainment to the streets of the town, running from Tuesday, September 29 through to Sunday, October 4.

A grand opening fit for San Miguel

It all kicks off on September 29, the feast day of Saint Michael (San Miguel), with the traditional opening speech. Wednesday, September 30, belongs to the much-loved Certamen Amparo Muñoz contest, held in the fair’s official marquee, marking the moment the fair’s night-time programme opens with the crowning of young ambassadors in both children’s and youth categories.

Thursday, October 1, is the launch of the four-day street festival known as the Feria de Dia, running until Sunday and filling the town centre with stages, dancing and local performers. That same evening brings one of the most anticipated bookings of the year. Camela hit the marquee stage, and theirs is the only performance on the main programme requiring a ticket, priced at €5 from the tourist offices in Velez-Malaga and Torre del Mar.

Younger festival-goers get their turn on Friday, October 2, courtesy of reggaeton duo Cali y El Dandee, with Saturday, October 3, bringing the talent of Salistre. Sunday holds the traditional dinner honouring the town’s older residents, followed by a closing performance from flamenco-pop favourite Maria del Monte. Children aren’t forgotten either, with a children’s day running that same day, on top of a daily mini-fair on Calle Canalejas.

Neighbourhood spirit runs through every corner of the town

The local town hall has stressed that this year’s celebrations depend heavily on local clubs, brotherhoods and dance academies, all of whom set up bars and perform across the fair. “Our fair lives in the fairground, but also, very specially, in the streets of Velez-Malaga,”.

Anyone settled or visiting on this stretch of the coast, can experience some real local traditions and culture right on their doorstep. For more information and scheduling, visit the Velez-Malaga FaceBook page.