France fuel price debate: Government denies increased tax revenue

French Minister of Action and Public Accounts, David Amiel, has stated that the state is not seeing increased revenue despite rising fuel prices. He explained that a reduction in fuel consumption has offset the mechanical increase in VAT, resulting in a loss of 10 million euros compared to the same period last year. Amiel noted that while higher prices increase VAT per liter, the drop in total volume consumed prevents a net gain in tax revenue.

The government is currently rejecting calls for a general reduction in fuel taxes, opting instead for targeted aid for low-income workers.

Separately, Cannes Mayor and presidential candidate David Lisnard has criticized the weight of public spending and mandatory levies in France. Lisnard warned that rising fuel costs are exacerbating social tensions among professionals, such as fishermen, and predicted similar unrest among farmers due to rising fertilizer costs. He characterized the current economic climate as a sign of growing national fragility.