French diesel prices reach record 2.41 euros as government weighs new driver aid

Record pump prices across France

French service stations recorded all-time high fuel prices on 18 September, driven by escalating geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. Nationwide daily averages compiled by Agence France-Presse and ministerial tracking placed diesel between 2.39 and 2.41 euros per litre, surpassing the prior peak of 2.38 euros recorded in April 2026. Standard SP95-E10 petrol reached 2.169 to 2.170 euros per litre, while SP98 climbed between 2.215 and 2.266 euros. A brief price decline following a late June protocol between the United States and Iran reversed rapidly as regional hostilities intensified. Fuel costs have risen substantially since the conflict began, leaving diesel full tanks 38% more expensive and petrol variants up by 22% to 25%.

Station queues and local price disparities

The surge created sharp disparities between retail chains and provoked long queues at TotalEnergies outlets, where retail prices remained capped at 2.25 euros per litre. Motorists in Montpellier and Meudon waited between 30 and 45 minutes to refuel, with some drivers filling jerrycans as a precaution against future increases. Competitor stations charging roughly 20 cents more per litre reported minimal customer traffic. In Sarthe, non-highway diesel reached 2.549 euros per litre at Mayet, while select stations in Alsace approached 3.00 euros. The price pressure has also led to direct social actions, including localized blockades by commercial fishermen opposing operating costs.

I am not worried about supply, but I am worried about prices. I think they will continue to increase.

Political debate over fuel taxation

President Emmanuel Macron summoned parliamentary leaders and presidential candidates to the Élysée Palace on 18 September for confidential consultations on the fuel crisis. Right-wing opposition leaders, including Jordan Bardella and Éric Ciotti of Rassemblement National, demanded immediate cuts to state levies. State taxes account for nearly half the consumer price at the pump. For a 2.17 euro litre of SP95, oil extraction and commercial distribution represent 1.14 euros, while the state collects 80 cents in fixed taxes alongside 23 cents in value-added tax at the 20% rate. Opposition figures pointed to neighboring nations, including Spain, which reduced fuel VAT from 21% to 10% in the spring, as well as relief programs in Italy and Germany.

Fiscal limits and targeted government aid

Macron rejected broad tax reductions and mandatory price caps, arguing that unbudgeted expenditure would widen the national deficit and raise future taxes. He stated that the government would instead concentrate on securing maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz and announced plans to convene a G7 meeting on energy supply. Budget calculations from OFCE economist Mathieu Plane showed that a 1-cent cut in fuel taxes reduces annual state revenue by more than 500 million euros, making a 10-cent reduction a 5 billion euro fiscal cost.

Before spending a maximum amount of money, which is French taxpayers' money and will translate either into an increased deficit or into taxes, we must above all mobilize to address the causes.

Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon confirmed that the current heavy-driver assistance scheme will not expire unreplaced on 30 September, with a new targeted mechanism for working citizens launching on 1 October. Sectoral relief for agriculture, construction, and fishing has been extended through 31 December, offering fishing crews up to the European Union limit of 35 cents per litre.