In times of economic uncertainty and soaring oil prices, Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has turned to TotalEnergies, the French energy giant, to extend its commitments to cap the price at the pump beyond December 31, 2023.
The minister expressed such a request during a recent interview with franceinfo, clarifying: “I would like TotalEnergies, which has committed itself to capping the price of all fuel, diesel and petrol, at €1.99 until the end of the year, to extend this cap (…) beyond December 31, 2023.”
No general program cuts
TotalEnergies is the last major French oil company in operation and Bruno Le Maire insists the restriction should be an asset for French motorists. He expressed confidence in the CEO of TotalEnergies, Patrick Poignant, that he “consider the difficulties of our compatriots” during this period of rising fuel prices.
The government chose not to follow the path of further widespread reduction in fuel prices. This decision follows a similar measure introduced in 2022. Minister Le Maire made his position on the matter clear, describing the new government discount as “Triple aberration: ecological, budgetary and diplomatic. »
Fuel prices are under pressure
The international context plays a significant role in this decision. Bruno Le Maire noted that countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia have reduced oil production affecting prices by limiting global supply. A further general reduction in fuel prices, according to the minister, would be equivalent “to pay for the oil diplomacy of Vladimir Putin and Saudi Arabia. »
In a political debate, the president of the Haut-de-France region, Xavier Bertrand, called for a 15-20 centimeter reduction in gasoline for everyone, accusing the government of exaggerating the cost of such a measure. In response, Bruno Le Maire refused to go on the journey “pharmacy bills” and noted that this discount will cost 12 billion euros in one year.
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Source: Auto Plus
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