France is seeking to secure oil supplies and ease pressure on fuel prices as tensions in the Middle East disrupt energy markets and push gasoline and diesel prices to record levels. President Emmanuel Macron said he had discussed the issue with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. Paris is working with coalition partners to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, protect energy infrastructure and secure oil production, while pursuing alternative routes to reduce dependence on the strategic waterway. The Houthi rebel group in Yemen is said to have advanced and taken control of Bab el-Mandeb, another key passage for Saudi crude exports, after Iran restricted shipping through Hormuz. The price shock has also fueled protests, strikes and road blockades from Syria to the Philippines, with France facing supply strains and demonstrations by fishermen.