Lionel Jospin is keen to develop alternative energy sources

As French roads and petrol stations return to normal following last week's fuel tax protests, the political consequences of the crisis are becoming clearer.

Mr Jospin was speaking at a UN conference on global warming in Lyon. He said promoting energy efficiency would contribute not just to a cleaner environment, but to maintaining strong economic growth.

Row over energy taxes

Although he did not detail the energy-saving measures he had in mind, he strongly defended his use of energy taxes.

Mr Jospin's comments are being seen partly as a political gesture to the Green Party members of his government. They reportedly threatened to quit the coalition over the $400m fuel tax cuts, conceded to protesting truckers and farmers.

His remarks also reflect concern that high oil prices could put at risk Europe's economic recovery. While Opec's decision to increase oil production has been welcomed, it is not expected to flow through into lower prices at petrol pumps for some time.

Mr Jospin called for improved dialogue between oil exporting and oil importing countries, arguing that wide price changes hurt producers as well as consumer countries.

At well over $30 a barrel, the price of oil is three times as high as just over a year ago.