The price of oil has registered a strong rebound in recent weeks, reaching high levels in international markets, in a context of tensions that have affected supply and increased volatility.
In parallel, France's economy has shown signs of weakness at the start of 2026, with gross domestic product (GDP) growth standing at 0% in the first quarter of the year.
These two elements coincide in time and are framed in an economic scenario in which the evolution of energy prices is part of the factors that influence activity.
Oil reaches high levels
The Brent barrel has surpassed 125 dollars and has reached levels above 126 dollars, at levels not seen for years in the market.
In the immediate delivery segment, the price has even reached historic highs, with figures around 144 dollars per barrel, in a context of supply tension and increased demand.
Throughout the month of April, the trend of oil has been clearly bullish, with prices having remained in the vicinity of 120 dollars in the final stretch of the month.
France registers zero growth
In this same period, France's GDP remained unchanged in the first quarter of 2026, after having grown by 0.2% in the previous quarter.
The figure has been situated below forecasts, which pointed to an increase in economic activity in that period.
According to the available data, GDP evolution has been conditioned by different factors, among them the negative contribution of foreign trade and the weakness of some demand components.
The economic context
The rise in energy prices is part of the economic context in which this growth figure has occurred. In that scenario, the evolution of household consumption, investment, and exports have been some of the elements that have influenced economic activity.
Europe, as an energy importing region, is affected by variations in oil prices, which impact costs and the behavior of various economic indicators.