“We can have diesel for 1.75 euros”, estimates Minister Serge Papin

A start of relief for motorists. The price of a liter of diesel must fall in France, from 12 to 18 cents, while the government has released its strategic stocks which must supply service stations. Trade Minister Serge Papin even estimated on RTL this Monday, November 2, that while “some were talking to us about diesel for 3 euros,” it would now be possible to get by for 1.75 euros per liter.

At 2.38 euros per liter of diesel on average on Saturday, more than one motorist risks being surprised. “If I take the lowest price (of diesel in France), adding the long-term driver bonus [...], we can be at 1.75 euros,” calculated Serge Papin, estimating that this allowance of 100 euros for three months, subject to means, represents aid of 40 cents per liter. An “ideal” scenario certainly, he admitted, “but it exists”. According to government data, around 500 stations (out of more than 8,500) offered diesel at 2.15 euros this Monday morning.

“More than half of the stations have lowered prices by 12 to 18 cents, so the vast majority of French people have access to a price that has fallen,” insisted Serge Papin, estimating that these 50% of stations cover 80% of French people. The minister believes that the government “has done things for the next three months” by releasing strategic stocks. “We will see what will happen in three months, we will adapt,” he promised, stressing that “the crisis is managed in the present moment”.