MEP Manon Aubry (The Left) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission demanding answers on whether it has acted on France's request to investigate soaring oil refinery margins in Europe. The move targets potential windfall profits by oil companies, which directly impact households, workers, and small businesses facing high fuel prices.
The question, dated 27 May 2026, is a priority written question under Rule 144 of the European Parliament's rules of procedure. It references a letter sent by French finance minister Roland Lescure on 3 April 2026, asking the Commission to probe refinery margins across Europe for any wrongdoing. Aubry notes that official French data already shows gross refining margins on Brent crude skyrocketing from EUR 41 per tonne in February 2026 to EUR 160 per tonne in March 2026 — an almost fourfold increase in one month.
whether the Commission has received and examined France's request; whether it has opened an investigation or requested information from industry stakeholders; and whether it has responded to the French government, and if so, whether it can share the results. The question does not propose specific numerical targets or deadlines but seeks clarity on the Commission's actions.
Aubry is pushing for greater transparency and regulatory scrutiny of oil company profits, aligning with The Left group's longstanding calls for windfall profit taxes and stronger consumer protection in energy markets. The question implicitly challenges the Commission to take a more interventionist stance against what she suggests may be market manipulation or excessive profiteering.
Under European Parliament rules, the Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. The answer will signal whether the Commission is willing to investigate refinery margins — a move that could lead to regulatory action affecting oil majors, or whether it will defer to market mechanisms, potentially disappointing consumer advocates and left-leaning MEPs.
← Atlas › News › Economy & Taxation