Why fuel prices are likely to rise again for drivers in France
The government has ended its 10-cent-per-litre discount at petrol stations and now supermarket chain Leclerc warns of a price increase at the pump
€2 a litre prices predicted to be on their way back
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Prices are once again rising on French petrol station forecourts. This is because the beginning of 2023 marked the end of the government’s 10-cent-per-litre discount, meaning fuel prices have automatically risen.
According to data from the Carbu.com website, the price of diesel is flirting with two euros per litre (€1.92) and that of petrol has reached €1.87, reports La Dépêche.
€2 a litre on its way back
And it is not going to get any better, according to someone who should know: Michel-Edouard Leclerc, president of the strategic committee of E. Leclerc stores. Invited this Sunday, January 8, to RTL’s Grand Jury programme, he predicted a surge in fuel prices.
"Something has happened in the last three months: all fuel importers, no matter the fuel, are obliged today to purchase any other fuel than Russian, including Russian diesel," explained the president.
He continued: "We are in the process of replenishing our sources of supply. For the moment, it is more expensive to buy elsewhere.”
He explained that the effects of these measures will only be visible in two or three months' time when motorists will have to put their hands even deeper into their pockets.
But a glimmer of good news for some
The government put an end to the fuel rebate on January 1. To replace the general discount, a new, targeted fuel allowance of €100 is set to be launched in a few days. This new aid will help some 10 million workers considered to be the most in need.
It will be paid to households located in the first five deciles of income – or the lowest-income half of the population – which corresponds to a reference tax income of less than €14,700 for the year 2021.
It can be requested as of January 16, and will be applicable to roughly “half of French households,” according to French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne.
The steps to obtain it are simple: you will have to go to the impots.gouv.fr website with your tax number, your licence plate and a ‘declaration of honour’ in which you will have to indicate that you need your car to go to work.
Read more: France’s €100 worker fuel support payment: How and when do I apply?
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