A boost against the stroke of the pump. In the midst of soaring fuel prices, a “discount at the pump of 15 centimes per litre” will apply from April 1 and for four months for all French people, announces Jean Castex, this Saturday, in an interview with the Parisian. “This means that for every 60 liters you will save 9 euros”, illustrates the Prime Minister. The measure, which will cost the state around 2 billion euros, is “valid on all fuels”.
In detail, it will not be a reduction in taxes but a discount, which will only be visible to the consumer once at the checkout. “Distributors will apply it and the state will reimburse them”specifies Jean Castex, who believes that the formula makes it possible to go faster and “helps everyone including professionals who are exempt from taxes”. And the Prime Minister to confirm that “farmers, craftsmen, construction, taxis, truckers, everyone”will be entitled to benefit from it.
Including fishermen, whose “fleet of boats” East “very fuel-intensive”according to Jean Castex and to whose attention he adds: “We are working with local authorities on measures to lower their social and port charges.”
Castex “asks oil companies and distributors to also make an effort”
The measure, which is due to expire at the end of July, is estimated at “just over 2 billion euros”. A sum partly covered by the increase in tax revenue following the surge in fuel prices. “In the first half of 2022 and if prices remain at this level, tax revenue on fuels would increase by less than 2 billion euros, advances Jean Castex. Everything is returned to the French.
The Matignon tenant hopes, however, that the aid does not come only from the State and “ask oil companies and distributors to also make an effort on their side”. “How would the French understand that they pay a full tank of diesel at 2 euros, while at the same time the oil companies are still making big profits?” asks Jean Castex.
This new measure intended to stem the effects of the continuous rise in energy prices for months, aggravated by the invasion of Ukraine, will therefore take effect on April 1st. Ten days before the first round of the presidential election. Asked about a possible clientelism trial, the head of government replies that the price of fuel has become “the first concern of the French”. “Do you see me telling them to move around, there is nothing to see! because there is an election in less than thirty days? It is not my conception of my responsibility”, sweeps Jean Castex. Like Santa Claus, everyone is free to believe in it.