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France scales up targeted fuel price relief, says finance minister
The package doubles aid for low-income commuters and extends support for fishermen, home care workers and other hard-hit sectors as fuel costs keep rising.
On Tuesday, Finance Minister Roland Lescure announced that France will expand targeted energy relief, doubling aid for low-income, high-mileage commuters to reach 5.5 million people.
Surging fuel costs sparked protests by fishermen in the Mediterranean last week, prompting the government to offer aid covering up to 70% of cost increases and zero-interest loans.
Budget Minister David Amiel stated the new measures will cost €450 million, bringing total energy relief spending to €1.4 billion and straining France's public finances.
Lescure stated there are no concerns about fuel supplies for the next two months, while support for fishing, construction, and home care sectors was extended through December.
The energy price spike, related to the Middle East conflict, triggered a rush to buy electrical vehicles, with EVs making up 40% of cars sold in France over the summer.
The French government is expanding targeted support measures for workers in sectors hit hard by rising fuel prices to head off growing social discontent.
Our editorial of Wednesday, September 23, 2026. In principle, the government had few choices but to respond to the fuel crisis with targeted aid to the French.