Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced in Bordeaux new targeted aids «early next week» to counter the fuel price surge linked to the Middle East conflict started over a month ago by US and Israeli strikes on Iran. He assured there was no shortage in the country. The French public expresses strong skepticism about the government's effectiveness.
Fuel prices have surged in France since the Middle East conflict began over a month ago. Global hydrocarbon prices rose following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. In under two weeks, SP95 increased by 6.3% and diesel by 17.3% at the pump.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, during a visit to Bordeaux on April 2, mentioned «new proposals» for targeted aids for French people «who cannot do otherwise than drive». He rejected the idea of a state «jackpot», while noting possible «surplus fiscal receipts» that could fund electrification measures. Economy Minister Roland Lescure is targeting distributors accused of overcharging.
Fishermen and farmers are hardest hit. Jean-Vincent Chantreau, president of the French Union of Artisan Fishermen (UFPA), says 45% of boats in Brittany are stopped and 50-60% could be by week's end. Non-road diesel (GNR) reaches 1.3 to 1.40 euros per liter, making 25-meter trawlers unviable beyond 0.60 euros.
An Odoxa-Backbone poll for Le Figaro shows 76% of French people do not trust Emmanuel Macron and Sébastien Lecornu to handle the crisis, and 57% fear supply issues. Only 10% of stations are out of one fuel. Fears of a new «yellow vests» crisis are growing.
