Fuel Relief in France: 18-Cent Cut Expected From November 1

Paris: The French government has moved to cushion households and businesses from high fuel costs by approving the release of 10 million barrels of gas oil, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu announced on Saturday.

The decision, which came after a period of unrest, was confirmed in an official post on X. The Prime Minister said the order is now in place and is expected to lower gas oil prices in the coming weeks.

The government says the reserves will be supplied to the market at their purchase price, which is roughly a quarter of the current market price. As a result, gas oil could become cheaper by up to 18 cents per litre. The reduction is anticipated to come into force on November 1.

Lecornu said the government has made sure that the complete economic benefit of the decision will pass directly to consumers and show up in fuel prices. The measure covers a broad range of users, including those buying standard gas oil, non-road gas oil, fishing industry users, households using domestic heating fuel oil, and users in overseas territories.

The government describes the initiative as a step to reduce fuel costs and offer relief from rising energy prices.

The announcement follows a week of protests across France linked to rising inflation and the increasing cost of living. The government had introduced curfews to restore order. After looting was reported during the demonstrations, partial curfews were ordered in some areas, and authorities had said an emergency could be declared if the situation required it.

The current wave of public anger also includes student protests that have been held since September. Students are demanding better educational facilities and improved conditions for learning.

These developments come at a time when public discontent over inflation, fuel prices, education, and public services continues to grow in France.