France will take measures such as freezing public spending to cope with the rising energy costs.

The French government announced on the 21st that it plans to freeze about 6 billion euros in fiscal spending by 2026 to ease the pressure on the French economy caused by the Middle East conflict. At the same time, a new round of assistance programs will be launched to focus on supporting industries and groups most affected by the rise in fuel prices. French Minister of Economy and Finance Roland Lescure stated that since the escalation of the Middle East situation, due to the increase in energy prices and rising bond yields, the French public fiscal burden is expected to increase by 4 to 6 billion euros. The government will respond by controlling expenditures and implementing targeted energy support measures. French Prime Minister Jean Castex stated that the government will extend existing aid policies for agriculture, fisheries, and road transport, and introduce special subsidies for specific drivers. Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict at the end of February, oil prices in France have continued to rise. According to a report by a French commercial radio and television station, gasoline prices in March increased by 10.7% and diesel prices by 21.3%. Currently, France has not lowered fuel taxes but instead focuses its fiscal resources on supporting industries most affected by the crisis.