Paris: France may extend financial support for transport companies struggling with rising fuel prices if the situation persists, announced French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot. The minister indicated that the 50 million euros allocated for aid could be renewed in the coming months if necessary.
According to Anadolu Agency, Tabarot discussed the potential extension of aid on CNews, stating, "These 50 million euros may be renewed if the situation continues, in May, in June... I hope things will stop." He emphasized that the current aid package is for one month, specifying that the 50 million euros are intended to cover the month of April.
The decision to potentially extend support comes in response to criticism from transport companies, who argued that the current aid is insufficient compared to the measures taken after the Ukraine war's outbreak in 2022. Tabarot addressed these concerns, acknowledging that the budgetary situation is different now and cannot be directly compared to the past.
The announcement coincided with a protest organized by the European Road Transport Organization (OTRE), which saw a slow-moving demonstration on the Paris ring road. The protest highlighted the sector's dissatisfaction with the government's response to the fuel price crisis.
Last Friday, the French government announced an aid package of approximately 50 million euros ($57.4 million) for April. The measures include deferred social security contributions, extended tax payment deadlines, and an exceptional fuel subsidy of 20 euro cents per liter. This subsidy is specifically aimed at small and medium-sized road transport companies facing cash flow challenges.
Meanwhile, global energy supplies remain strained as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues into its second month. In response, Australia has taken significant steps by releasing oil from its strategic reserves and ordering emergency fuel reserves from the US for the first time in decades.
In Australia, the states of Victoria and Tasmania responded to the domestic price surge by announcing free public transport services on Sunday to alleviate the financial strain on residents.