French President Emmanuel Macron said Washington showed its true colors by selling high-priced gas, making millions as the EU is hurting from Europe's energy crisis. He called it a double standard and said that's how friends don't treat each other, questioning the Biden administration's intentions in the Ukraine conflict.
Europe's Gas Lifeline Severed by US Sanctions
Macron criticized the US for overcharging energy when the European Union needs it to be more reasonably priced. He was furious at the US for pricing gas about 3 to 4 times higher than Russian gas at domestic rates, reported Republic World.
It was, according to him, a predatory practice as the US wanted to take advantage of Europe's energy crisis due to a mad scramble to fill up gas reserves in the bloc.
These stern accusations from Paris were all in response to the increase in debilitating gas prices that began after Russia and Ukraine got involved in a dispute that significantly affected the bloc.
French President Emmanuel Macron is dealing with the French citizens up in arms as they are suffering the brunt of the conflicts by-product, which is energy prices getting out of hand.
Additionally, workers at the French oil refineries TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil have been holding a rally for the past two weeks, noted Reuters.
Macron Publicly Denounces the US Price Gouging
At the EU Summit in Brussels, the French leader addressed the body and aired serious grievances that Washington is not a friend to the bloc. Moreover, for the past two weeks, employees at the French oil refineries TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil have already been holding a rally.
He informed the other EU leaders that the US was applying unfair double standards, particularly now that allies were involved. Based on a report by OilPrice.com, the US has raised its natural gas exports to France by up to 421% in the first eight months of this year.
In contrast, LNG prices have increased by 1094% throughout August alone. Furthermore, President Macron declared that he would raise the issue during his planned visit to the United States this December.
The French president made it abundantly clear that the European Union needs to have a plan of action before harsh winter sets in, which would burden the gas supply. It will be critical for each of the member states.
Paris stressed that the 27-member bloc could not rely on Russia's gas due to circumstances; also, the need to have an alternative to American gas and LNG, which is more affordable, is crucial for the group.
Elysée Palace leading the EU in a dark time for everyone in the union
President Macron clarified that the Eurozone should sort out how to procure enough gas for the upcoming winter, even before the current supply runs out, even though the cost of oil, gas, and liquefied gas surpasses the EU's coffers.
He also emphasized the need for low energy prices and the need for a plan to be more prepared than it is right now.
The Russian outlet TASS mentioned that Macron said it would be a difficult winter without Russian gas and be prepared for the worst.
President Macron called out Washington for price gouging on Europe's energy crisis by selling expensive natural gas that reeks of double standards, even as allies.