France will not cut fuel taxes despite record high prices
French authorities have no intention of lowering fuel taxes despite record prices. Finance Minister Roland Lescure attributed the refusal to the budget deficit.
Yulduz Salimov1 min read
French authorities do not plan to reduce fuel taxes despite record prices at petrol stations. This was announced on September 21, 2026, by the country's Finance Minister Roland Lescure.
On Sunday, the cost of diesel fuel in France reached 2.41 euros per liter, setting another record. The average price of petrol stands at 2.2 euros, significantly higher than levels before the fuel crisis began.
Presidential candidate from the National Rally party Marine Le Pen warned of the risk of economic stagnation if fuel taxes are not reduced. Her party advocates lowering VAT on fuel from 20% to 5.5%.
It is highly likely that from October 1, additional support will be provided to the most affected French citizens, but what will not happen is a general reduction in taxes.
Lescure explained that reducing fuel prices by 20 cents through lower excise duties would cost the treasury over nine billion euros. France cannot allocate such funds against the backdrop of a budget deficit, which authorities will not be able to reduce to the planned 5% in 2026.
On September 11, the minister stated that fuel prices, which jumped after the conflict around Iran began in February, will remain high for a long time to come.
Source: ria.ru
