The French government presents new aid in the face of rising fuel prices

Fuel prices are reaching new heights in France. The government presented its new aid this Tuesday. They are a continuation of the first measures announced on May 21. A crisis triggered by the unilateral decision of the United States and Israel to attack Iran, and the consequences of which continue to impact world economies.

Assistance for long-term commuters extended

It will be renewed for October and November. The number of French people who can potentially benefit from it has been expanded: 5.5 million people will now be eligible for this new aid of 100 euros. Or “the equivalent of 40 cents per liter of fuel, for two months on average,” says Maud Bregeon, Minister for Energy (it was 20 cents per liter until now).

“Its payment will be simplified,” specifies David Amiel, Minister of Action and Public Accounts. Three million French people were eligible so far, but less than half took advantage of it. It is also the amounts saved by this previous aid, budgeted but not used, which will finance (to the tune of 450 million euros) all of the support announced this Tuesday.

0-rate loans and support for liberal nurses

Aid for farmers and construction is extended until December 31, underlines Serge Papin, Minister of SMEs, Commerce, Crafts and Purchasing Power. Just like those for fishermen. Catherine Chabaud, Minister for the Sea and Fisheries, also announces the establishment of a 0-rate loan guaranteed by the State with a ceiling of 50,000 euros.

For their part, liberal nurses will be able to benefit from an additional bonus, called “territories and rurality”. It amounts to 80 euros, for two months, underlines Stéphanie Ritz, Minister of Health. It will concern 25,000 nurses who travel more than 100 kilometers daily.

Businesses are invited to take their part in solidarity. The ceiling for the fuel bonus, a completely tax-free aid which can be paid to employees, is set at 1,000 euros, instead of the current 600, underlines Serge Papin.

No reduction in VAT

“We must have a temporary and targeted aid strategy,” explains David Amiel. Unlike other neighbors, France refuses to apply a general reduction in VAT. The country's finances, weighed down by an abysmal deficit, prohibit this choice, supported by the RN.

Our file on fuel prices

No price blocked at the pump either, as LFI demands. The State in passing refutes any war chest. “Fuel tax revenues are decreasing. We have a loss of 407 million euros compared to last year. There is not, there has not been and there will be no prize pool,” promises David Amiel. The reason is the drop in volumes consumed (-19% in September). If the amounts linked to VAT increase, those of excise, a fixed tax on volumes, decrease more sharply.