France Will Extend Targeted Fuel Aid and Re‑introduce the Energy Cheque as Prices Rise

Overview

• The government said on Monday, August 31 that it will continue sectoral fuel supports for firms and keep application portals open while it finalizes operational details.
• Maud Bregeon confirmed the chèque énergie will be reconducted in the 2027 budget to protect low‑income households from higher heating and fuel bills.
• Energy prices have jumped again: Eurostat reported euro‑area inflation at 3.3% for August and the French gas reference price rose 5.6% on September 1, affecting about six million households on indexed contracts.
• Fuel volumes and tax receipts have fallen sharply, with distributor surveys showing station sales down 20–40% at non‑network sites and the state reporting weaker fuel tax revenue that complicates next year’s budget plans.
• Major suppliers such as TotalEnergies continue voluntary pump price caps but warn they could end them if a tax on so‑called superprofits is imposed, creating a political standoff over how to pay for relief.