France plans to introduce a discount of 0.15 euros ($ 0.16) per liter of petrol (petrol) or diesel to help drivers cope with rising pump prices, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Saturday.
Transport fuel prices have already skyrocketed in the wake of COVID-19, but have reached new highs due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
How will the government make discounts on French drivers?
In an interview with Le ParisienCastex said the discount would run for four months from April 1 and would cost the government more than 2 billion euros.
He added that the subsidy will cover households as well as truck drivers and farmers.
The measure is expected to save 9 euros for a driver in a 60-liter fuel tank, Castex added.
He said that the discount will be applied at the time of payment, but will not be visible at the prices displayed at the gas station.
The Prime Minister also asked the fuel companies to help alleviate high fuel prices for consumers.
“If the state makes an effort of 15 cents per liter and makes an effort of 5 cents, it’s 20 cents in the French pocket,” Castex said.
Presidential elections are approaching
French President Emmanuel Macron, who is campaigning for a second term in office next month, has promised the government will help drivers.
Macron said his government has already spent 20 billion euros to reduce the cost of gasoline and other energy costs.
His administration reduced electricity and gas increases to 4% and offered low-income households a one-time energy coupon of 100 euros.
Next week, Castex will also unveil “a plan of economic and social resilience” to address the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Asked if the subsidy was tantamount to buying votes, Castex said the price of fuel had become “the primary concern of the French”.
“Do you think I’m going to say, ‘Nothing to see!’ just because elections take place in less than 30 days? “I do not understand my responsibility,” he said.
mm / dj (AFP, Reuters)
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