French Minister of Commerce, Serge Papin, has encouraged eligible citizens to apply for government aid designed to support workers who travel long distances, as they face increased fuel costs. According to recent reports, 5.5 million French citizens qualify for the assistance, but only 1.5 to 2 million have applied so far—well below the initial three million who were eligible. The program has recently been expanded to include more people, reflecting the government’s efforts to address the growing financial burden on drivers. To prevent fuel shortages, especially amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the French government has decided to allow heavy trucks transporting fuel to operate on Sundays until October 12. This includes granting them access to roads where such vehicles are usually restricted. The move aims to ensure a steady supply of fuel to service stations and reduce the risk of disruptions in the energy sector. President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that his immediate focus is on reducing fuel prices rather than cutting taxes on them. He explained that this approach is necessary to stabilize public finances, which have been negatively affected by rising energy costs. Macron has ruled out lowering fuel taxes at this time, instead prioritizing targeted financial assistance and diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of the energy price surge. Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian port of Yanbu, a vital hub for oil exports on the Red Sea, has been attacked again by Houthi rebels. Saudi air defenses intercepted six missiles, but the attack reportedly caused casualties among Yemeni, Sudanese, and Saudi personnel. Yanbu is a key player in global fuel supply chains, regularly exporting millions of barrels of oil each day. In response, the French government has announced plans to deploy military assets to help protect the site from further threats. In a recent interview with France 2 and TF1, President Macron discussed the rising fuel prices, a topic that has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Gabriel Attal, a presidential candidate, has also raised concerns about future energy crises, particularly the risk of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport. He has called for measures to reduce the vulnerability of French citizens to such potential crises.