France faces fuel crisis as rising prices trigger social unrest and new government aid

France is facing significant economic pressure due to rising fuel prices, leading to widespread mobility poverty and social unrest. An Ipsos/Secours populaire survey indicates that 46% of French citizens struggle to pay for fuel or transport, with 28% reporting they have sacrificed essential food or medical expenses to afford gasoline.

In response, the government has increased fuel aid. The tax exemption ceiling for fuel bonuses paid by employers has risen to 1,000 euros per employee annually through 2026. Additionally, a support program for long-distance commuters has been expanded to cover 5.5 million households, providing two 100-euro installments.

The crisis has triggered various social and political reactions. In Landres, an Intermarché service station was vandalized with anti-government graffiti. Meanwhile, political candidates for the 2027 presidential election are proposing different solutions, such as Marine Le Pen’s plan to lower VAT on fuel and Bruno Retailleau’s proposal to abolish energy saving certificates (CEE) to reduce prices by approximately 10 cents per liter.

Consumers are also adapting through behavioral changes, such as carpooling, cycling, or seeking out specific retailers like TotalEnergies that have maintained lower prices, though this has led to localized shortages and long queues at certain stations.