Fuel‑Price Fury in France Fuels Far‑Right Surge and Rattles European Markets

France’s latest wave of protests over rising fuel costs has given a significant boost to far‑right parties ahead of the upcoming European elections, according to political analysts. The unrest has also sent ripples through global markets, with investors reacting to the political uncertainty.

In the commodities arena, gold (XAU/USD) slipped to 4,123.58, down 16.94 points or 0.41%. Silver (XAG/USD) edged up 0.337 points, a 0.59% gain, reaching 57.61. WTI crude (CL=F) climbed 1.17 points, up 1.19% at 99.71, while Brent crude (Brent) rose 1.12 points, 1.02% higher at 110.67.

Base metals also saw movement: copper (HG=F) ticked up 0.0210 points, a 0.32% rise to 6.5965, whereas aluminum (AL=F) fell 14.00 points, down 0.46% to 3,015.75.

Energy‑related prices were mixed; natural gas (NG=F) fell 0.053 points, a 1.73% drop to 3.005.

Analysts suggest that the political gains of far‑right parties—bolstered by public anger over fuel price hikes—have heightened concerns about policy volatility, prompting a cautious stance among investors. The market’s mixed reaction reflects both short‑term uncertainty and longer‑term expectations of how the elections may reshape Europe’s economic landscape.