France expanded fuel aid

According to local media reports, the French Ministry of Finance has expanded the 100-euro fuel subsidy, which was previously provided to approximately 3 million people who drive to work, to cover 5.5 million people.

Necessary conditions were relaxed for aid targeting low-income groups who drive to work.

The income threshold of 1508 euros for a single person to benefit from the aid was increased to 2 thousand 35, and the threshold of 4 thousand 70 euros for couples was increased to 6 thousand 104 euros.

It was decided to extend the aid provided by the government for some sectors, especially fishing and agriculture, which are most affected by fuel prices, until December 31.

In addition to the income level, the assistance provided to automobile users requires that the distance between home and workplace be at least 15 kilometers or that a person travels at least 8 thousand kilometers annually to go to work.

The disruption of ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the strategic energy routes, due to the tension between the USA and Iran, caused a crisis in the energy markets and fuel prices increased.

While the government has introduced fuel aid for some sectors since March, when the crisis began, French business groups, which do not find this aid sufficient, continue their protests from time to time.

In the country, which is in trouble with public debt and where budget negotiations lead to political crises, the government is in search of new solutions in the face of increasing public expenses and falling fuel income.

French President Emmanuel Macron demands the European Union (EU) to relax some sectoral regulations, including lowering standards regarding fuel quality.