France fuel crisis: Drivers use rapeseed oil to cut costs

Rising fuel costs in France have led some diesel vehicle owners to use unconventional alternatives to reduce expenses. With diesel prices averaging 2.29 euros per liter and gasoline reaching 2.12 euros, drivers are increasingly turning to rapeseed oil or filtered cooking oil.

Some motorists, particularly those with older diesel engines, are mixing rapeseed oil with diesel rather than using oil exclusively. One driver, identified as Lucas, reported using this method for approximately two years, purchasing rapeseed oil at roughly 1.45 euros per liter to save about 70 cents per liter. While acknowledging the practice is not legal, he stated he is willing to take the risk due to economic pressures.

In addition to rapeseed oil, some drivers are collecting and filtering used cooking oil from restaurants and businesses. These high prices are attributed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainties regarding oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.