Oil giant TotalEnergies suggestions from 1Er first of September exclusive discount 20 cents on the price of fuel at its gas stations, which is added to the state discount of 30 cents, that is, the total discount is 50 cents per liter of fuel.
In these times of reduced purchasing power it is so a very valuable measure by motorists, many of whom have since flocked to Total stations: numerous stock shortages have been observed, forcing the respective stations to pull down the curtain. But it’s a commercial gesture that also annoys a large distribution that points the finger at unfair competition.
TotalEnergies: until the end of the discount?
If TotalEnergies has already announced a “relaxation” of this discount from 1Er November 2022, will rise to 10 centimes per liter by 31 December 2022, extension to 2023 still uncertain.
Indeed, during a parliamentary hearing this Wednesday, September 21, 2022, TotalEnergies boss Patrick Pouillane made it clear that a possible “excess profits tax” could jeopardize this promotional operation.
Since the start of the discount, there have been shortages at many Total service stations. Find out why. https://t.co/YxowuSunkF
— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) September 16, 2022
TotalEnergies is directly subject to “excess profits” tax
Indeed, UN chief António Guterres has proposed creating a “excess profits” tax, which is aimed at large successful companies, especially those that have increased their turnover since the start of the Ukrainian crisis. A topic that was quickly picked up by members of the NUP in our regions.
That’s why Patrick Poignant uses the fuel discount to pressure government policy: “Our contribution in 2023 will depend on the level of taxation you all decide”– said the CEO of TotalEnergies before the parliamentarians.
TotalEnergies: A measure taken to the detriment of consumers
To be clear, if the tax measure is deemed too confiscatory for TotalEnergies, the French group may well end the fuel rebate operation, to the detriment of French consumers.
The rate of taxing excess profits is divisive, even within the French government: if Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has announced that she will not close the door to such a measure, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire does not seem to be following through. opinion as he stated that he “didn’t know what excess profit was”… The matter is to follow!
A fuel error can happen to anyone. But can insurance cover it? We tell you everything. https://t.co/YNpNpXKhCf
— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) September 17, 2022
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.