Should France’s fuel discount show up on my receipt?

We look at how the 18-cent-per-litre reduction is applied for drivers

We look at how France’s fuel discount is applied
Emma Morgan
Published Modified

Reader Question: I have been watching the price of diesel and looking at my ticket after paying, I can't see any reduction in the cost. How does the government discount work?

On April 1, the French government introduced a fuel discount totalling 18 cents for every litre bought in mainland France.

This will remain in place until the autumn, when it will be phased out and gradually replaced with a more targeted aid for low-income households.

Read more: Fuel discount: France to phase out and replace with aid for workers

The government has stated that the price displayed on the signs outside the petrol station and at the pump already include the discount, so you will not see a reduction when you go to pay.

This is because the discount is applied at distribution level, and not in individual service stations.

The government has also said that: “The discount amount will be outlined on your receipt”, so you should see some mention of 18 cents having been taken off each litre.

However, the price you pay will be the same as that which is presented at the pump.

For information, the discount is applied to:

  • Diesel

  • Fishing boat diesel

  • Off-road diesel

  • SP95, SP98-E5, SP-95-E10

  • Liquefied petroleum gas

  • Superethanol (E85)

  • ED95

  • Compressed natural gas

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