Throughout the month of August, some French motorists have limited the passage to the pump to benefit from greater discounts at the pump from September 1. And obviously, many of them have been filled in Total. The oil tanker adds the discount of 20 euro cents per liter, a discount that is added to the 30 cents from the government. This great discount will apply until October 31. she will go to 10 euro cents/liter from November 1 to December 31. This program affects about 3,500 service stations.
After having exceeded 2 euros, the liter of fuel fell to 1.34 euros per liter for the SP95 and around 1.50 euros for diesel. According to Total, savings can reach “about 25 euros in 50 full litres.” The other side of the coin, these bonuses caused a tidal wave at Total stations, some of which sold out within hours.
Empty tanks at stations
The French, but also motorists from neighboring countries, let loose this weekend at the beginning of the month. Almost everywhere, the discount led to endless queues and rat races that even required police intervention at some police stations, it was reported. The Figaro. But above all, the impolite behavior of some who filled cans in addition to their tanks. An attitude reminiscent of the one that caused the shortage of toilet paper, mustard or, more recently, heating pellets.
The situation can be seen almost everywhere in France. There are many testimonies on social networks from those who, after refueling, filled several 20-litre cans. Some stations have decided to ration to 50 euros per person. But, according to witnesses, large consumers did not hesitate to switch from one pump to another to use it again.
If individuals are affected by this shortage, professionals, including those who provide emergency and health services and who use the Total card, are in a worrying situation.
an unfair refund
The free gift given to consumers also has the effect of penalizing Total’s competitors who, throughout France, are suffering heavily from the oil discount. In the stations of other oil companies or in those of large distribution, the clientele that benefits from the Total discount in addition to that of the State, that is, a total of 50 cents per month per liter of fuel, has become rare.
In Corsica, several Esso stations have decided to suspend their fuel distribution, due to lack of customers. Its managers denounce the unfair competition of the Total group that, since last Thursday, applies a reduction of 20 cents in the price of fuel. The Esso station in Calvi closed the pumps after Esso France refused to match Total’s prices at an identical discount.
Avoid a superprofit tax
For Mobilians, Total’s discount is described as “unfair” compared to competitors.
For Total, this discount is, on the contrary, a response “to the expectations of the French affected by the rise in energy prices and the impact on their purchasing power,” according to the company in a press release. The tanker seeks to limit stock shortages that were even anticipated.
Source: BFM TV
