Serge Papin, France’s Minister of Trade and Purchasing Power, has expressed approval of the price caps recently introduced by TotalEnergies, a major oil company, and has stated he has no intention of pressuring the company further. Unlike some political voices calling for more aggressive measures, Papin has ruled out imposing additional taxes on TotalEnergies. Meanwhile, the Economic Affairs Commission of the National Assembly is launching a new "flash mission" this Tuesday to investigate fuel pricing and scrutinize the profit margins of oil refiners, which some suspect have increased disproportionately. Papin emphasized his desire to avoid confrontation with TotalEnergies, stating, "Today we are standing united." He encouraged the company to continue capping its fuel prices at 2.25 euros per liter for diesel and 1.99 euros for unleaded gasoline, calling these levels acceptable. For several months, TotalEnergies has maintained these caps at its stations, despite the average price of diesel reaching 2.34 euros and SP 95 gasoline hitting 2.11 euros on Tuesday. Papin noted that TotalEnergies applies these caps "only in France," highlighting the company's discretion in its pricing strategy. In further remarks, Papin reiterated that he does not want to threaten TotalEnergies, acknowledging the company's unique position as the only major player controlling the entire supply chain from production to distribution. While he expressed a preference for Total to use its influence to support competitors, he acknowledged the realities of a market economy, noting that the company naturally favors its own brand and products. Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, the price of crude oil has risen sharply, increasing from around 70 dollars per barrel at the end of February to nearly 100 dollars today. This has led to even greater pressure on refined fuels such as diesel, aviation kerosene, and gasoline. Papin estimated that this situation could persist for at least the next month, though he expressed hope for a resolution with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Regardless of developments, he assured the public that "nothing indicates that diesel will one day cost 3 euros."