France Rolls Out May Fuel Relief for ‘Grands Rouleurs’ as Lecornu Orders €4 Billion in Savings

Overview

• Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced Tuesday a new set of targeted fuel supports for May after a ministerial meeting on the energy shock tied to the Middle East conflict.
• A new “grands rouleurs” aid will average 20 euro cents per litre for about three million lower‑income workers who drive long distances, with eligibility set for the bottom half of incomes and either a 15‑kilometre commute or 8,000 kilometres a year.
• Sector measures include raising support for fishermen to 30–35 cents per litre, lifting farm GNR aid to 15 cents, renewing transport aid at about 20 cents, proposing around 20 cents for small construction firms, and opening talks with taxis and VTCs.
• Public Accounts Minister David Amiel put the package’s cost at €180 million in May after €150 million in April, while Lecornu told ministers to freeze €4 billion in spending to offset a €4–€6 billion fiscal hit driven by debt interest rising about €300 million a month.
• The government rejects broad fuel tax cuts and stresses longer‑term electrification, yet a survey published Wednesday shows 82% of respondents favor tax relief at the pump, highlighting political pressure on the targeted approach.