France eyes subsidy revival for drivers as energy crisis deepens

France is considering expanding subsidy programs as it grapples with persistently high fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East, Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty Roland Lescure has said.

Lescure indicated that he will present proposals on April 21 to reinstate subsidies for professional drivers, Le Figaro reports.

The government is also examining whether support could be extended to additional categories of citizens and businesses.

According to the minister, the measures could be implemented as early as May if fuel prices remain elevated, reflecting the ongoing energy pressures associated with the situation in the Middle East.

April 21 will also provide an opportunity to convene the public finances alert committee, with statements expected around midday.

“We are assessing the potential impact of the crisis — estimated at between €4 billion and €6 billion,” said Roland Lescure, adding that he “will not provide detailed figures at this stage” in order to “give priority to parliamentarians.”

“We are operating within a precautionary framework: we will not cancel any measures, but we may freeze certain expenditures,” Lescure added, while also revising growth forecasts downward by nearly 1%.

By Vafa Guliyeva