French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a plan for 500 surprise inspections of gas stations across the country, beginning Monday and concluding Wednesday, in response to rising fuel prices. The initiative, revealed Sunday on X, aims to prevent “abusive price increases at the pump,” according to Lecornu.
The Prime Minister stated that the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East “cannot serve as a pretext for abusive price increases.” The inspections will be conducted by the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF), representing the equivalent of a full semester’s worth of routine checks, Lecornu added.
The government reported Friday that SP95-E10, the most commonly used gasoline in France, had increased in price by 10 cents per liter compared to the previous week, prior to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Diesel fuel saw an even more significant rise, averaging €1.98 per liter on Friday, up from approximately €1.72 on February 27th – a 26-cent increase, or 15 percent.
Economy Minister Roland Lescure affirmed that stations exploiting the situation would be “brought to heel,” and pledged a “name and shame” approach if abuses are confirmed. This refers to publicly identifying companies found to be engaging in unfair pricing practices.
Several political parties have voiced concerns over the price hikes. Marine Le Pen, head of the National Rally’s (RN) deputies, proposed a reduction in fuel taxes on Wednesday to offset the increases. The RN has long advocated for lowering Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuels, heating oil, and gas from 20% to 5.5%.
Jordan Bardella, president of the RN, also called for a reduction in VAT and excise taxes on petroleum products in the event of a price surge. Eric Coquerel, president of the National Assembly’s finance committee (LFI), urged the government to consider price controls and, if the situation persists, to “adjust” excise duties.
Energy Transition Minister Maud Bregeon dismissed the possibility of lowering VAT and excise taxes, citing a potential €20 billion hole in the state budget.
Recent reports indicate Lecornu’s position as Prime Minister has been precarious. In October 2025, he resigned less than 24 hours after naming his government, and after less than a month in office, triggering a political crisis. He was asked by President Macron to remain in office until Wednesday in an attempt to achieve “stability” for the country.
