In response to the rapid rise in fuel prices, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the implementation of an exceptional system of inspections at service stations. Between Monday and Wednesday, 500 inspections will be carried out by the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) to verify the absence of abusive practices.
This decision comes as fuel prices at the pump have risen sharply in recent days, amid tensions in the Middle East. Diesel now costs around two euros per liter, an increase of approximately 25 cents in one week. The government believes that the international situation should not be used to justify unjustified price hikes.
An increase linked to soaring oil prices
Authorities point out that changes in crude oil prices are not immediately reflected in fuel prices for motorists. Several steps between oil purchase, refining, transport, and distribution create a delay in the transmission of price increases.
According to economic analyses, more than half of any change in the price of oil is typically felt at the pump in less than a week, and nearly 90% within the following ten days. Each one-dollar increase in the price of a barrel can therefore translate into roughly one extra cent per liter for consumers.
