Gasoline prices in France reached their highest historical level on Thursday, while diesel prices are approaching unprecedented levels. This increase in prices has led to widespread dissatisfaction and protests across the country.
Price Increases and Their Consequences
According to published reports, the price of unleaded gasoline in France has reached €2.37 per liter ($2.72), and the price of diesel, which is the most consumed fuel in the country, is nearing €2.38. These price increases have directly impacted the daily lives of people, causing public anger and dissatisfaction.
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In this context, drivers and households have expressed their protests against rising costs and voiced their concerns about the impact of these increases on household budgets. In particular, French fishermen have blocked the entrances of two ports and a fuel depot in southern France in protest against rising fuel prices due to international tensions.
Reasons for Fuel Price Increases
The French government has identified tensions arising from the U.S. war against Iran as the main cause of this situation. This month, crude oil prices have increased by about 20%, due to ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as Saudi Arabia's difficulties in supplying oil due to the war with the Houthis in Yemen.
Sébastien Lecornu, the French Prime Minister, announced on Wednesday that the government would increase gasoline subsidies for the fishing sector to the maximum allowable limit. However, this measure has not been able to quell public anger, and dissatisfaction continues.
In recent months, French drivers have rushed to TotalEnergies gas stations in an attempt to buy gasoline at discounted prices. This major energy company has kept the price of each liter of gasoline at €1.99 due to increasing political pressure to impose taxes on windfall profits.
The experience of 2018, when a proposed increase in fuel taxes led to widespread "Yellow Vest" protests, clearly illustrates social reactions to such increases. As the presidential term in France approaches its end and upcoming elections will determine Emmanuel Macron's successor, this situation is expected to lead to more serious challenges for the government and society in France.
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