Fuel prices have become a little more “normal” again. Above all, they have stopped climbing to stabilize but remain high. Faced with this observation, the State has decided to stop the financial aid granted to fishing companies. Hit by fuel inflation, they receive aid of 20 cents per liter of diesel. A boost which will end on October 15, confirmed Breton Hervé Berville in an interview given to West France And TV Rennes.
Asked about this diesel aid which is due to end on October 15, the Secretary of State for the Sea replied: “As in other sectors, it will stop because we must return to a form of normality, while supporting our fishermen. We were very clear, with the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister at the Agricultural Show, there had to be a takeover by private actors. Because since the start of the year, we have been helping the sector to organize itself; In the end, it’s French taxpayer’s money.”
According to several arms owners in Brittany, the cost of diesel today represents around 40% of the turnover of their companies. To overcome the current difficulties, the member of the Government suggests “making group purchases or forward purchases. When the price is low, you have to stock up for the next six months, when the price of fuel may have increased.” “We are almost at 90 cents per liter of diesel. This price is not appropriate for the level of business profitability. This is unacceptable, we are going straight into the wall,” denounced Ludovic Le Roux, president of Pêcheurs de Bretagne, during a press conference in Quimper.
“It is not up to the State to replace itself”
The Secretary of State assures that the State has spent 75 million euros on this fuel aid. “We cannot extend this aid because the European regime which allowed this aid ends this year. It is not up to the State to constantly replace the responsibility of all players in the sector.” Several fishing owners expressed their concerns at the Secretary of State’s announcement, fearing that their businesses would go out of business.