Increase in fuel prices: the State releases 70 million euros for transporters, fishermen and farmers

Roland Lescure (Economy), Serge Papin (SME), Annie Genevard (Agriculture), Philippe Tabarot (Transport), Maud Bregeon (Energy) and Catherine Chabaud (Fishing). No less than six members of the government gathered in Bercy this Friday afternoon to announce support measures for professionals hit hard by the fuel crisis. Which last week averaged 1.95 euros for SP95-E10 and 2.11 euros for diesel (and even 2.22 euros according to the average of daily readings this Thursday, March 26).

Nearly a month after the start of the American and Israeli offensive against Iran, which began on February 28, the government will mobilize nearly 70 million euros. “A graduated, targeted, sectoral response and limited to the month of April,” explained Roland Lescure, responding to “immediate and urgent needs.” Aid is thus limited to three sectors: road transport, fishing and agriculture.

There is no question, for the moment, of implementing the costly return to the pump demanded by road professionals. VSEs/SMEs in road transport, the most affected by the crisis, will benefit from exceptional flat-rate aid of 50 million euros. Or the equivalent of 20 cents per liter for the companies concerned.

“It’s incredibly complex”

But it will be necessary to justify major cash flow difficulties linked to the crisis, specifies Philippe Tabarot. “How do we do that? asks Jean-Marc Rivéra, general delegate of the Organization of European Road Transporters (OTRE). It’s incredibly complex. In most VSEs and SMEs, the 2025 financial statements will be finalized in May or June. This will require paying an accountant. These are additional charges. »

For the fishing sector, the aid will also be 20 cents per liter. That’s a total of 5 million euros for the month of April. “Our objective is for boats to be able to go out to sea,” said Minister Catherine Chabaud.

The GNR used by farmers will be completely exempt from excise duty for a total cost of 14 million euros. This represents a reduction of 4 cents per liter on the bill. Annie Genevard will also ask the Council of European Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries on March 30 for a suspension or neutralization of the MACF (carbon border adjustment mechanism).

How will all these measures be financed? “They are guaranteed,” said Maud Bregeon, the government spokesperson. Clearly, the ministries concerned will have to cancel credits from their respective budgets.

More information to follow in a few minutes on leparisien.fr.