Diesel price in France hits 'all-time high', petrol price also sets new record, small businesses affected

After diesel prices in France reached an all-time high, small businesses dependent on road transport have come under economic pressure. According to an analysis by AFP of data from about 9,000 petrol stations reported on the government's fuel price website, the average price of diesel nationwide has reached 2.39 euros per litre, or about 2.75 US dollars.

Petrol prices have also set a new record. The price of the most widely sold petrol has reached 2.17 euros per litre, or about 2.49 dollars. This price has remained above the previous high of 2022 for more than 10 consecutive days. At more than 700 petrol stations across the country, diesel prices are above 2.50 euros, while at about 70 stations, prices have exceeded 2.70 euros.

According to France's National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies, the rise in fuel prices is much sharper than overall inflation. In August, diesel prices rose 36.4 percent year-on-year. During the same period, petrol rose 19.1 percent and overall energy prices rose 16.7 percent, while overall inflation was only 2.4 percent. France's construction sector has become one of the sectors most affected by the fuel price increase.

According to a spring survey by an organisation representing small construction businesses, 92 percent of craft and small construction businesses are feeling the impact of rising fuel prices. According to Danel, annual fuel costs have increased by about 6,000 euros (approximately 6,893 dollars).

The French government has opted not to cut fuel taxes across the board, instead introducing a targeted support programme. The government has committed a total of 1.4 billion euros (about 1.61 billion dollars) in aid for various sectors. This includes:

• A subsidy of 20 cents per litre on off-road diesel for small construction businesses
• Separate support schemes for the agriculture, fish farming and road transport sectors