To say that the energy sector is experiencing a crisis would be an understatement. For more than a year, the explosion in the price of a barrel of oil has had consequences for fuel prices at gas stations, which have experienced record inflation. In September 2019, the last “normal” year before the Covid crisis, diesel was exchanged for an average of 1.44 euros per liter in France. Today, this figure is around 1.90 euros (according to INSEE)! For two years, the state and large national companies increased aid in an effort to counter this unprecedented growth. The goal: to “unload” the wallets of the French, who bear the main burden of several sectors in the crisis.
Discounts, compensations and limitations
This was implemented by the State in 2022 discount on fuel. This was a systematic reduction in the price of a liter at the gas station, which sometimes reached 30 euro cents. It evolved to 1Er January 2023 in the fuel surcharge, designed to relieve only the most modest households. It took the form of a €100 annual check intended for French people who use a car to get to work every day. Recently this summer, TotalEnergies has announced that it will cap the price of fuel distributed at its stations at €1.99 per liter. This benefit was supposed to expire on December 31, 2023, but it was finally renewed sine die for 2024.
Selling fuel at a loss soon?
Today the Government is preparing a serious new measure: wishes allow fuel suppliers to sell at a loss. Or rather, to sell “at the right price”, or even cheaper compared to their cost price. The event, banned in France since 1963, is outside the sales period. If this initiative can be useful for motorists, it would be fatal for small distributors, and in particular independent. Already having at this point a very small margin on the price per liter sold, they could not sustain their business by selling at a loss. Vice versa, only large distributors could afford itso much so that it will create an imbalance on the proposals… This bill will be debated in the Assembly in October with a view to its implementation from next December.
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.