Several gas stations across Corsica shut down during the weekend of September 12 and 13 in response to rising fuel prices and what they described as unfair competition caused by a price cap set by the Total group. The closures were a protest against the pricing strategy, which the stations claimed gave Total an unfair advantage over smaller competitors. Fuel prices have been increasing steadily in recent months, putting pressure on both consumers and independent gas station owners. The Total group, one of the largest energy companies in Europe, introduced a price cap that limited how much its affiliated stations could charge for fuel. Smaller, independent stations argued that this cap distorted the market by allowing Total to undercut their prices, making it difficult for them to remain profitable. The affected gas stations are part of a growing trend of independent retailers in France who have been protesting against what they see as unfair practices by large energy companies. These protests have taken various forms, including temporary closures and public demonstrations, aimed at drawing attention to their concerns about market fairness and sustainability. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between large corporations and small businesses in the energy sector. While Total has not officially commented on the closures, the issue has sparked a broader conversation about competition laws and the need for a level playing field in the fuel market.