France Offers Loans to Small Businesses as Fuel Costs Rise

The conflict between Iran and the United States has driven up global energy and fuel prices, hitting diesel-dependent agriculture, fishing, and transport businesses particularly hard. The French government had previously offered limited fuel subsidies only to the trucking and fishing industries. With pressure to reduce its fiscal deficit, it has instead turned to loans to help small and medium-sized businesses maintain cash flow and operations.

The French government announced the new measures on April 4, 2026. Small and medium-sized businesses in agriculture, fishing, and transport whose fuel expenses account for at least 5% of revenue will be eligible for loans of up to €50,000, or about $57,600, with a 36-month term. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu had also asked ministries to devise support measures for people who depend on cars.