France to release tens of millions for fuel aid

France is responding to soaring energy prices linked to tensions in the Middle East with a €70 million package of targeted aid.

As Politico reports, the government plans to support the hardest-hit sectors – farmers, logistics firms and fishermen – during April.

Finance Minister Roland Lescure stressed the measures are temporary, precisely targeted and intended to mitigate the impact without unnecessarily burdening public finances.

A key step is the suspension of excise duty on diesel for farmers, expected to cost the state around €14 million. The largest share of the aid will go to transport, where small logistics companies will receive a subsidy of €0.20 per litre of fuel. Fishermen will receive similar compensation.

At the same time, Paris has signalled it does not consider the situation as severe as the energy crisis in 2022. The measures are to be financed from existing resources without adjustments to the budget.

France also plans to raise the issue of carbon tariffs on fertilisers at EU level, which the government says are increasing pressure on farmers.

(pir)