While the price of fuel continues to climb, the Minister of Economy says he does not want to reduce taxes.
The situation is becoming more and more tense. For several months, the price of petrol and diesel has been soaring, regularly beating new records which we would actually have done well without. Because with a liter of diesel fuel sometimes exceeding €1.75, not to mention the unleaded 98 which also reaches peaks, dangerously close to two litres, the French can’t take it anymore. For many, refueling has become difficult, with some professionals having to reduce their trips or risk losing more money than they earn. A difficult situation, which we owe to the price of the barrel, which is very high at the moment, but not only. Indeed, the taxes still represent no less than 60% of the price per litre. But if some associations ask the government to act, it does not seem inclined to respond to their request.
No decrease expected
In an interview with BFM TV, the Minister of the Economy, Bruno the Mayor indeed affirmed not wishing to lower the VAT to 5.5% against 20% currently. According to him “ten euro cents less per litre, on a 50-litre tank, it’s five euros less” for motorists, but above all it’s ” 5 billion of losses for the State. And that, no way, despite the situation that has become untenable for many. Already in October 2020, the Minister pointed out that a drop of one penny would be imperceptible for motorists but that it would represent ” half a billion euros of losses for the coffers of the State.
In addition, Bruno Le Maire recalls all the efforts already made by the government to help the French: “ The inflation allowance, the energy check, what we have done on EDF, what we are doing to cap gas prices: the bill for all of these measures is 15 billion euros already committed by the State to protect the French “. Not sure if that’s enough…
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