France Plans Targeted Fuel Aid Next Week as Pump Prices Surge

Overview

• Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, speaking in Bordeaux on Thursday, said he will present targeted help early next week for people who must drive and he insisted there is no nationwide shortage.
• Official data show diesel outages at about 11.4% of stations, with hotspots such as Paris near one in four, as cheaper sites run dry faster after heavy demand drawn by price caps.
• Average diesel now sits near €2.28 per liter and many pumps top €2.20, with rare prices close to €3, after supply risks grew around the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East.
• David Amiel said Friday the state took in about €270 million extra in March from fuel taxes, including roughly €120 million in VAT and €150 million in accises boosted by early‑month panic buying, and he warned receipts could fall in April as volumes drop.
• The government says sector aid and a stronger energy check total about €130 million, hauliers can pass higher fuel costs to clients after this week’s protests, and a fuller fiscal update is due on April 21.