The chief executive of French oil major Total SA (TOT) Friday expressed his concern over tensions in Gabon, where the company has major oil producing assets, following an election in the African country.
Asked if he is concerned about the situation, Christophe de Margerie told reporters: "Yes, of course."
Asked whether post-election tensions in Gabon are having an effect on production, de Margerie said that is "not the most important subject," and said the company's first priority is the safety of its workforce.
De Margerie also declined to comment on a legal case in which he is involved. A French prosecutor recommended Thursday that a judge not charge de Margerie for alleged bribery of foreign civil servants in Iraq.
Examining magistrates in charge of the case can follow the prosecutor's recommendation or decide that de Margerie must face trial. The prosecutor's view makes it unlikely a case will be brought against de Margerie.
In further remarks Friday, de Margerie said that, while Total is losing "quite some barrels" due to the Organization of Petroleum Producing Countries' production restrictions, the OPEC restrictions also help support oil prices, which is positive for the company.