Without this being a consolation, it is true that the unstoppable rise in fuel prices (not just gasoline) is not something that is only happening in Spain. The difference with other European countries is that they seek quick and effective solutions there. An example: France has taken a drastic decision that will reduce the price of gasoline by 15 cents per liter.
Fuel prices in France are very similar to those we pay in ours. Diesel exceeds two euros/litre; while gasoline exceeds 1.9 euros/litre.
Given this situation, the government has decided to take action on the matter and launch an initiative that will reduce the price of fuel by 15 cents per liter.
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From April 1 and for four months
“As of April 1, a fuel discount of 15 cents per liter will be applied,” French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced. In this way, the French government tries to alleviate the increase in fuel prices registered since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine.
As explained by the EuropaPress news agency, from the first day of April, the Government will assume part of the cost of refueling. It will do so in the following way: users will go to service stations and pay the set price minus 15 cents; the distributors will not notice this reduction because it will be the State that assumes it and returns the corresponding amount.
20 cents less if the distributors want
The 15 cents per liter discount to which the French government is committed could reach 20 cents per liter if the distributors agree to assume another five cents per liter.
“This is likely to last. If the State makes an effort of 15 cents per liter, and (the oil companies and distributors) make, for example, an effort of 5 cents, it is 20 cents that should end up in the pockets of the French,” he argued.
In total, Castex anticipates that the cost of this discount will be “a little more than 2,000 million euros”.
Better and faster than lowering taxes
The French Prime Minister assures the decision that his Government has taken to assume part of the price of fuels is much faster and more effective than lowering taxes.
“First, because (to lower rates) a law is needed and it takes longer; then, because taxing polluting energies less is anti-ecological,” says Castex. In addition, he points out that “this discount helps everyone, including professionals who are exempt from taxes.”
The measure by which the French government will assume 15 cents per liter of fuel comes into force on April 1 and will last for four months.
