2023-09-18 17:20:08
Although they stagnated in the spring, fuel prices have continued to increase since July. In mid-September, the prices of unleaded 95 and diesel increased by 8 and 13% over two months, often exceeding €2 per liter.
A surge in prices against which the government announces action. In an interview with Parisian On Saturday September 16, Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne unveiled her strategy. From December 1 and for six months (provided of course that the measure is adopted in the National Assembly in October), distributors will be authorized to sell fuel at a loss and thus lower prices, indicated Monday September 18 the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire. A measurement ” exceptionally “ on this commercial practice, which has been banned since 1963.
No tax cuts
A preferred option over other solutions, such as a reduction in fuel taxes, which would widen public deficits. According to the minister, a discount of 20 cents at the pump for one year would cost 12 billion euros.
Some observers see the announcement as a boon for supermarkets, for whom fuel is a flagship product: a low and attractive price at the pump makes it possible, they think, to bring in more customers and make them too consume other products on the shelves.
A situation that worries independent pump attendants. “We do not have the means to offset our revenues from fuel with those from other goods, and therefore cannot afford to sell at a lossworries an independent gas station attendant from Moselle. We are surrounded by big box stores. If they decide to carry out this business practice, we will no longer have any customers. »
A communications strategy
A specialist in mass distribution, Olivier Dauvers prefers to put things into perspective. “For the price drop to be really noticeable to the consumer, there would need to be a reduction of 15 to 20 cents per liter, he believes. The cost of losses for distributors would be far too great. »
He prefers to see the announcement as a subtle political move: placing responsibility for the cost of gasoline on distributors rather than the State. “The executive buys timeshort term, but it’s risky”, he gauges. Because if the gas bill does not drop in the coming weeks, the anger of motorists has every chance of targeting the executive again. The accusation of false promises on top of that.
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