France expanded fuel subsidies

(TNS)

Paris (dpa) — France is expanding fuel subsidies for professionals and specific economic sectors to help cushion soaring fuel prices amid the conflict in the Middle East, the government said on Tuesday.

The existing subsidy of €100 ($114) for professionals who rely on a car to commute to work will be paid out again for the months of October to December.

Because the income threshold to qualify for the subsidy is being raised, 5.5 million people will be able to apply for the aid in the future, up from 3 million. Care workers who drive to their patients will also receive support.

France expanded fuel subsidies

As previously announced, France is also extending fuel subsidies for agriculture, the construction sector and fishermen until the end of the year.

Companies can also pay their employees a tax-free fuel bonus of up to €1,000 per year, the government said. Additionally, the energy voucher paid once a year to low-income households will be distributed again next year – not in April as usual, but earlier, during the heating season in January.

“We are aware that the situation is very difficult for our citizens,” said Economy and Finance Minister Roland Lescure.

The fuel subsidies are intended to help people with low incomes, support the economy, and at the same time avoid completely unbalancing the budget. In total, the aid measures amount to €450 million ($516 million).