Fuel distributors: government calls for solidarity

The French government is asking fuel distributors to show solidarity by extending sales at cost to control fuel prices. What's more, the French Minister for Energy Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, is encouraging the transition to electric vehicles to reduce fuel costs and environmental impact.

Partagez:

The government will be calling a meeting of fuel distributors on Tuesday to ask them to “make an effort to show solidarity”, in particular by extending sales at cost, Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher said on Saturday.

Government call for solidarity from fuel distributors to control prices

“I’ll call a meeting next Tuesday”. TotalEnergies and other distributors, and “I’m asking them to make an effort to show solidarity”, said the Minister for Energy Transition on France Inter, as gasoline prices have in some cases risen back above the 2 euros per liter mark.

“Some distributors have carried out operations at cost price (…) and I will ask them to extend this type of operation, because I think that the French do not have the space to pay more for fuel, and that this is not the kind of subject on which these players need to make a large margin”, added Mrs Pannier-Runacher.

In the midst of a recovery in oil prices, underpinned by voluntary production cuts in Saudi Arabia and Russia, French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire asked leading distributor TotalEnergies on Thursday to extend its capping of all fuels at 1.99 euros per liter beyond December 31, 2023. Bruno Le Maire also opposed the idea of a tax rebate, which he deemed “not fiscally responsible”.

Agnès Pannier-Runacher calls for a shift from fossil fuels to electric vehicles

“What’s driving up the bill for the French? Fossil fuels. What’s disrupting the climate? Fossil fuels. So there’s an urgent need to get out of fossil fuels,” Agnès Pannier-Runacher went on to say.

Conversely, 10,000 km in an electric car represents “1,000 euros in fuel savings”, stressed the Minister, while admitting that the purchase of these vehicles remains “too expensive”.

“With the ecological bonus, the scrappage bonus, we’re working to lower the price of access to electric cars, and I want to further strengthen the ecological bonus so that households with average incomes can afford this car,” she added.

The Minister also cited the planned introduction of “leasing at 100 euros (…) per month”, without however announcing any details on the timetable for this complex measure, a campaign promise by President Emmanuel Macron.

Why does it matter?

This initiative by the French government underlines the growing concern about high fuel prices and the environmental impact of fossil fuels. It aims to keep fuel accessible to the public and accelerate the transition to more environmentally-friendly vehicles. Discussions with the oil industry and incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles are evidence of the government’s efforts to address current economic and environmental concerns.

  • Populaires ​
Google signs world’s first fusion energy purchase agreement
Global microgrid market to reach 191 billion dollars by 2033
Wood Mackenzie forecasts $1.35 trillion for CCUS and carbon credits markets
France Officially Launches Its First Floating Wind Farm in the Mediterranean
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
According to the 2025 report on global energy access, despite notable progress in renewable energy, insufficient targeted financing continues to hinder electricity and clean cooking access, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
While advanced economies maintain global energy leadership, China and the United States have significantly progressed in the security and sustainability of their energy systems, according to the World Economic Forum's annual report.
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
On the sidelines of the US–Africa summit in Luanda, Algiers and Luanda consolidate their energy collaboration to better exploit their oil, gas, and mining potential, targeting a common strategy in regional and international markets.
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS