A few days ago, on the “Auto Plus” broadcast, we talked about the government’s proposal, which allows selling fuel at a loss. The event, which caused the reaction of the most interested persons, namely distributors.

Thus, on Wednesday, September 20, distribution giants such as Carrefour, Intermarché, E. Leclerc and Système U strongly expressed their refusal to implement this policy.

Distributors oppose the authorities

The ban on resale at a loss has been a fundamental principle of commerce in France since 1963, and Carrefour CEO Alexandre Bompard emphasized its importance during hearings at the National Assembly’s economic affairs committee. He warned that “we shouldn’t open this can of worms”as it can also pave the way for other sectors.

Thierry Cotillard, president of the Les Mousquetaires group, which includes the Intermarché and Netto chains, also spoke out against selling fuel at a loss. He stated that the use of such an opportunity will inevitably lead to price increase for other essential goods. “If we do, we’ll raise the price of pasta, we’re not totally crazy”– he stressed, illustrating the concern associated with this measure.

Representatives of E. Leclerc and Système U followed their example, confirming that they do not intend to conduct large-scale operations of selling fuel at a loss. Dominique Schelcher, CEO of Système U, said it does not plan to conduct such operations on a large scale.

How much can fuel prices rise?

Despite this opposition, the government supported its project. Public Accounts Minister Thomas Cazenave defended the measure on Sud Radio, insisting that the option was not mandatory. He clarified that The goal was to allow distributors to choose whether they wanted to use this optionwhether for strike operations, price limits or selling at a loss.

Overall, the skirmish highlights the delicate balance between government policies aimed at lowering gasoline prices for consumers and distributors’ concerns about the potential impact on their profit margins and the economy at large.

Thus, it seems that the debate over the sale of loss-making fuel in France is far from over, and it remains to be seen how the government and the mass distribution companies can find common ground to respond to the concerns of motorists. , as we regularly inform you on Auto Plus, fuel prices have started to rise again recently.

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