France expands fuel aid to 5.5M, bets on low uptake to cap cost

The French government is broadening a 100-euro fuel aid to 5.5 million high-mileage drivers, alongside extended support for fishing, agriculture, and BTP sectors. Bercy projects the additional cost at only 450 million euros, relying on unused credits and limited scheme uptake—a fiscal bet that may prove optimistic if participation exceeds expectations. This reflects ongoing political pressure to address fuel costs ahead of elections.