Michel-Edouard Leclerc, president of the strategic committee for E.Leclerc, a major French supermarket chain, said he is preparing for the possibility of fuel prices reaching 2.40 euros per liter in France. However, he added that this scenario may not come to pass. Leclerc described the rising fuel prices as being in the "most tangible area of the increase," indicating that the situation is now at its most critical point. He warned that if fuel prices continue to rise sharply, the French government might be forced to lower fuel taxes, regardless of how they are structured. Leclerc also pointed out that the fluctuation in fuel prices is largely influenced by developments in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. Recent hostilities between the U.S. and Iran have reignited after a period of relative calm. The U.S. military took action to stop Iran from launching rockets carrying naval mines into the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. In response, Iran targeted U.S. military installations in the Gulf, vowing to retaliate for an earlier attack that killed four people during a wedding ceremony. U.S. Vice President JD Vance reported that oil and gas traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has "almost" returned to normal levels, indicating a partial de-escalation of the situation. In France, the government has decided to extend financial support for sectors most affected by the rising cost of fuel. This aid will be available for farmers, fishermen, and the construction industry through September and October. However, transporters—such as trucking companies—will not be included in the program. Deputy Minister for Energy, Maud Bregeon, announced the extension, and Leclerc praised the move, calling it an "excellent thing," particularly for sectors that heavily rely on fuel. He emphasized that these groups "need help" during this challenging time. The financial cost of the aid program is estimated at 70 million euros per month. While this support provides some relief to affected industries, it highlights the broader economic challenges posed by the rising fuel prices. The French government continues to monitor the situation closely, balancing the need to support vulnerable sectors with the constraints of public finances.