France, March 12 -- Speaking as the conflict entered its 12th day, Lombard said rising energy prices and market volatility were already fuelling fears of inflation and weaker growth around the world.

Recent attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf have unsettled investors. A major refinery in the United Arab Emirates has closed after a drone attack, and an oil field in Saudi Arabia has also been targeted.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz - a narrow channel between Iran and Oman through which much of the world's oil passes - has also slowed sharply in recent days.

Lombard said France has enough oil and gas supplies for now, but warned that higher energy costs could still hit households and businesses if the crisis d...