France's Government Spokesperson Maud Bregeon (L) listens to France's junior Minister in charge of the sea and fisheries Catherine Chabaud addressing the audience during a meeting with representatives of the fishing industry, banking institutions and energy companies regarding the international situation at the French Economy and Finance Ministry in Paris on March 13, 2026. In response to Bercy's overtures, the pledge by several retailers to ease French consumers' bills was already in serious trouble on March 12, 2026, following a fresh rise in oil prices amid the war in the Middle East. (Photo by JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP via Getty Images)