The mystery surrounding this figure was at the heart of the political news in recent days. The Minister of Action and Public Accounts, David Amiel, announced on France Info on Friday, April 3 that the surplus of tax revenues generated by the rise in fuel prices in France reached 270 million euros in March for the state.
According to “preliminary estimates,” regarding “VAT on fuels, the additional revenue, when comparing March 2026 to March 2025, would amount to 120 million euros,” and “there will be a very temporary increase in excise duties on fuels, very concentrated at the beginning of March,” where the volumes of fuel sold have increased, “which amounts to nearly 150 million euros,” he detailed.
However, these additional revenues are “very small compared to the cost of the crisis for public finances,” and “are counted in millions, whereas the cost of the crisis is counted in billions of euros,” highlighted the minister.
[Context: Minister David Amiel announced the surplus of tax revenues from the increase in fuel prices in France reaching 270 million euros in March.] [Fact Check: The minister emphasized that the additional revenues were significantly lower compared to the overall financial impact of the crisis.]
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Minister Lecornu is considering new targeted assistance “at the beginning of next week.” The day before, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated in Bordeaux that he was considering “targeted” new aid to offset the surge in fuel prices “at the beginning of next week.” The head of government suggested before a meeting with his ministers on Wednesday to use the additional tax revenues generated by the increase in fuel prices to decarbonize the economy.
The initiative was denounced by the right and the far right, while many economists and experts affirm that the very idea of a tax surplus linked to the rise in fuel prices is a mirage.
[Context: Prime Minister Lecornu plans to provide new targeted assistance to address the rise in fuel prices.] [Fact Check: The proposal has faced criticism from political factions and experts who consider it unrealistic in the current situation.]
The Prime Minister stated on Thursday that there had been “a lot of excitement” surrounding “fuel taxation,” but this would soon be “diminished.” Referring to the amount of these “possible surpluses,” he explained that the rise in prices could lead to an increase in the “volume of taxation collected,” but this could be offset by a decrease in consumption volume.
[Context: The Prime Minister addressed the speculation surrounding fuel taxation and its impact on consumption.]
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