What happened
French bakeries are struggling due to rising oil prices caused by the Iran war. Baker Kevin Luce has seen his heating oil costs increase by 50%, from 2,230 euros for 2,000 liters to almost the same amount for 1,200 liters. This surge in fuel prices is affecting small businesses across Europe, particularly in rural areas of France where public transportation is limited.
The French government has announced an aid package worth 450 million euros to help people and industries affected by the high fuel prices. The package includes subsidies for commuters and support for families with their winter energy bills. However, some business owners, like Martial Realland, who runs a food truck, are still struggling to cope with the increased costs.
Realland has seen his diesel costs rise from 120 euros to 200 euros, and he is also bracing for a high heating bill for his rented home, which is warmed with heating oil. He may not fill his 1,500-liter tank this year due to the high cost, which could be around 2,500 euros, up from 1,600 euros last year.
A far-right lawmaker, Christine Loir, is lobbying the government to lower taxes on heating oil, which is commonly used in rural areas. She says many of her constituents are worried about choosing between heating and food this winter due to the high fuel prices.
Despite the challenges, Kevin Luce has vowed not to raise his prices, saying it would be counterproductive and betray his customers. His bakery in Saint-Just-en-Chaussée continues to sell baguettes at 1 euro and traditional baguettes at 1.10 euros.
