The French government is helping the country's motorists. For every liter of petrol, the state pays part of the cost. The campaign is initially limited to four months - and falls in the middle of the presidential election.
With an aid package worth billions, France wants to cushion the burden on drivers, transport companies and farmers from the increased fuel prices. A discount of 15 cents per liter of fuel is planned from April 1st, Prime Minister Jean Castex told the newspaper "Le Parisien". In the case of a car with a 60-liter tank at the pump, for example, that adds up to a saving of nine euros per refuelling. The discount is to be granted for four months and is expected to cost the state around two billion euros.
Castex said the discount will be given directly at the point of sale, although the normal price will continue to be displayed there. Customers would then receive the discount when paying, and it would apply to all fuels. He also called on oil companies and distributors to make an additional gesture to enable further price reductions for consumers.
French President Emmanuel Macron had already signaled that he would work to ease gas prices. Macron is up for re-election next month. The debate about such relief is also taking place in Germany. However, the federal government has shown restraint and referred to a relief package that has already been decided.