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France Rolls Out €70 Million Targeted Fuel Aid as Hauliers Launch Road Protests

Paris limits help to key trades to blunt the fuel shock without adding new debt.

Overview

  • - The government, which unveiled the plan Friday, set aside €70 million for April with the option to renew monthly.
  • - Regional actions by transporters began Saturday and caused slowdowns, including a blockade that left only one lane open on the A7 near Lyon.
  • - Small road carriers can claim the equivalent of 20 cents per litre via an application portal, fishermen get a 20‑cent reimbursement subject to EU sign‑off, and farmers receive a full April excise waiver on non‑road diesel worth about 4 cents per litre.
  • - Transport federations and many professionals call the aid unclear and too small and they press for a pump discount and per‑vehicle support similar to 2022.
  • - Officials link the price spike to the Middle East conflict that pushed Brent above $110 and, citing a 5.1% deficit, reject broad tax cuts or price caps while funding the package from existing ministry budgets.