Ségolène Royal, a prominent candidate in France’s left-wing primary, has proposed lowering fuel prices to 1.70 euros per liter by removing a 33-centime European tax on diesel and reducing the value-added tax (VAT). Her plan draws inspiration from Spain, which recently obtained approval from the European Union to temporarily lower excise duties on fuel below the usual minimum set by EU law. In Spain, the excise tax on diesel was reduced to 17.9 centimes per liter, compared to the standard 38 centimes, and for regular unleaded gasoline, it was cut to 27.3 centimes per liter, down from 35.9 centimes. These reduced rates are set to last until September 30. Spain had previously lowered the VAT on fuel from 21% to 10% in March, but it returned to 21% in July. Despite this, the country has continued to reduce excise duties on fuel. In contrast, the French government has not reduced fuel taxes, instead opting for targeted financial aid to low-income households and struggling professions. Currently, France imposes excise taxes of 69 centimes per liter on gasoline and 61 centimes per liter on diesel, which are significantly higher than the European minimum. The French government has opposed lowering these taxes, citing the high financial cost, which could reach several billion euros, and the risk of increasing the public deficit. Germany has also taken action to reduce fuel prices, announcing in mid-September a plan to lower them by 17 centimes per liter. Meanwhile, Royal has also called for negotiations with Patrick Pouyanné, the CEO of TotalEnergies, to reduce refining margins to pre-war levels. This would aim to lower the overall cost of fuel by addressing the profit margins of major oil companies. Royal’s proposals reflect broader concerns about rising fuel prices and their impact on households and businesses in France.