France to extend energy support measures into May amid rising fuel prices

France will maintain its energy support measures for households and businesses in May as fuel prices remain elevated due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Economy Minister Roland Lescure said Tuesday, reported Xinhua.

"We had support measures in April and we will continue them in May," Lescure told RTL radio, citing the continued conflict in the region and tensions involving Iran and the United States around the Strait of Hormuz as key factors preventing fuel prices from stabilizing.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, the French government has allocated 130 million euros (141 million U.S. dollars) in support. This includes 70 million euros (82 million dollars) to aid transport operators, fishermen and farmers, and 60 million euros (70 million dollars) to reinforce the energy voucher program for low-income households.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu later confirmed at a press conference that existing aid programs would be extended. He also announced new targeted support for "high-mileage drivers," offering an average subsidy of 20 euro cents (23 U.S. cents) per liter of fuel. The measure is expected to benefit around 3 million people, particularly low-income workers.

Lescure warned that the situation remains highly uncertain, noting that the government has revised its 2026 economic growth forecast down to 0.9 percent from 1 percent, while raising its inflation outlook to 1.9 percent from 1.3 percent.

Fuel prices have surged in France, with petrol rising 10.7 percent and diesel 21.3 percent in March, according to BFM TV.