France, March 5 -- Economy Minister Roland Lescure met fuel suppliers at the finance ministry In Paris a day after conceding increases of a few cents at petrol stations around the country.

"It's normal given the increase in the price oil," Lesclure told French broadcaster Franceinfo in the prelude to the meeting.

"In more than 97% of the territory, there is no problem," he added. "That is to say we are in a normal situation where we have petrol everywhere. We need to keep calm."

Oil prices surged more than 3 percent on Thursday.Brent crude advanced $2.65, or 3.26 percent to $83.99 per barrel, a fifth session of gains. US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $2.76, or 3.70 percent to $77.42.

Maud Bregeon, a junior energy minister as well...