The conflict in the Middle East is having an immediate impact on French household budgets. Since the start of the Israeli-American strikes on Iran on February 27, fuel prices have risen dramatically in France, according to data published by the government.

Current situation: A sharp increase in just a few days

Figures collected from nearly 5,000 service stations show a marked acceleration in prices. Diesel is the hardest hit by this geopolitical instability.

Fuel	Prices as of February 27th	Prices this Friday	Evolution
Diesel	~ €1.72	€1.98	+15% (+26 cents)
SP95-E10	€1.72	€1.82	+6% (+10 cents)
SP98	€1.82	€1.92	+ 5% (+ 10 cents)

In concrete terms, for a driver filling up with 50 litres of SP95-E10, the bill increases by 5 euros in just one week.

A political debate under high tension

Faced with this surge, the opposition is taking a stand and increasing the pressure on the executive branch:

1. The National Rally: Marine Le Pen argues for an immediate reduction in taxes to compensate for energy inflation.
2. La France Insoumise: Éric Coquerel, chairman of the Finance Committee, calls on the government to consider a complete freeze on prices.

The government's response: Budgetary discipline above all

Despite criticism, the government is currently refusing to intervene on taxation. Maud Bregeon, Minister Delegate for Energy, described any reduction in VAT or the TICPE (domestic tax on petroleum products) as "inconceivable." The argument is purely financial: such a measure would create a deficit of nearly 20 billion euros in the state budget.

The specter of the 2022 crisis, where prices crossed the symbolic threshold of 2 euros after the invasion of Ukraine, is once again looming over France.