Faced with soaring fuel prices, Sébastien Lecornu is preparing new support measures for June.

The government is expected to unveil a new series of measures on Thursday to try to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on households and several professions heavily reliant on diesel. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to present these measures as pump prices reach their highest level since the start of the war in the Middle East.

For several weeks, the government has favored targeted measures rather than a general fuel discount. The measures under consideration particularly concern low-income "high-mileage" drivers, certain transport professionals, as well as fishermen and farmers already affected by the increase in off-road diesel prices.

Aid concentrated on workers most dependent on cars

According to initial reports released in recent days, a flat-rate subsidy equivalent to approximately 20 cents per liter could be paid to nearly three million low-income workers who rely heavily on their vehicles for work. The scheme would primarily target home care workers, nurses, caregivers, and employees living far from public transportation.

The government is also considering strengthening support for the professional sectors most exposed to the energy crisis. Subsidies on off-road diesel for fishermen could be increased to between 30 and 35 cents per liter, while road hauliers would benefit from an extension of existing measures.

The government wants to avoid another social crisis

This new development comes amid significant pressure on purchasing power. Rising fuel prices are fueling government concerns, still marked by the previous "yellow vest" movement, which arose in part from fuel tax protests in 2018.

The government, however, continues to reject the idea of ​​a widespread return to general fuel rebates, deemed too costly for public finances. The chosen approach is now targeted aid for households and professions considered most vulnerable to the current energy crisis.