It is again the fever in the service stations. A few hours after the reduction in fuel discounts, motorists rush to refuel for the last time before the sudden rise in prices.
As of 00:01 tonight, the government’s 30-cent refund will be reduced to 10 cents. That of TotalEnergies in the stations of the group will drop from 20 to 10 cents. French motorists who pay less for their fuel than most of their European neighbors will therefore find international standards.
Above the symbolic bar of 2 euros
Or the liter at more than 2 euros, something that had not happened since the end of August. Diesel is currently at 1.85 euros per liter according to the Carbu.com site. If we add the 20 cents from the State, logically we go to an average of 2.05 euros for this Wednesday, November 16. At TotalEnergies stations, you will still have to add 10 cents.
In the SP95 we should not cross 2 euros but we will not be far: from 1.69 euros per liter we should go to 1.89 euros without the State bonus. If we add the 10 cents of Total we will get close to 2 euros at gas stations.
A fuel around 2 euros although there will always be discounts until December 31. As of the 1st of 2023, another 10 cents per liter will have to be added and even 20 taking into account the end of the TotalEnergies bonus. With current fuel prices (excluding discounts), this would take the liter to levels possibly never before reached, between 2.20 and 2.30 euros per liter.
The total end of the discount on January 1.
It is to be expected that from now to then the price of a barrel of oil will drop significantly (which is not impossible in the current context of recession) to prevent the fuel drain on purchasing power.
Since there will be no more discounts next year, the government is adamant. In the first place because it is a subsidy for fossil fuels. Not very in tune with the times, also in the middle of Cop 27. Then because it is expensive: between 900 million and 1,000 million euros each month for the state coffers (7,500 million euros in total since April 1). And on the side of TotalEnergies, the reduction cost the French oil company between 500 and 600 million euros during the year 2022.
Therefore, the government will pass this time through specific aid already postponed several times this year, even if the French are not in favor. According to an Elabe survey for BFMTV, 61% of the French prefer measures for all households instead of targeted aid for those who need it most.
A “big wheel” device in lieu of reimbursement
The “big wheel” device should be detailed in the coming weeks. The ministers are already talking about a very simple device: a website where you would enter your vehicle registration number and your remote taxpayer number.
It remains to be seen who will be entitled to it. The government speaks of “popular classes” and “middle classes.” Last summer, the previous device project mentioned a distance of at least 30 km between home and work and at least 12,000 kilometers traveled per year and per vehicle.
Once eligible, how much will the motorist receive? The Government speaks of a provision provided that would oscillate between 1,500 and 1,600 million euros for some 12 million motorists who would be entitled to it. This would represent an average check of 133 euros, or just over 60 full liters at current fuel prices. Enough to calm possible complaints?
Source: BFM TV
