France seeks EU approval for a €5 million support package to offset rising fuel costs for its fishing fleet amid global tensions and high prices. Photo: Laurent Mignaux Terra
France is seeking approval from the European Commission for a €5 million aid package to support its fishing fleet as fuel prices rise sharply following the war in Iran and disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The French government announced on March 27 that it intends to introduce an immediate support measure for fishermen to offset higher fuel costs in April 2026. The proposed aid would take the form of a partial reimbursement of fuel expenses, set at €0.20 per litre, and would apply to all fishing vessels operating in mainland France and overseas territories.
According to the government, around 20 per cent of global oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making fuel prices particularly sensitive to geopolitical tensions in the region. The fishing sector, which is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, has been identified as one of the most exposed industries.
The €5 million fisheries aid forms part of a broader government support plan targeting sectors most affected by rising fuel and agricultural input costs, with total measures estimated at nearly €70 million for April 2026. The government said it aims to have the fisheries support scheme fully operational by the end of April.
Fishermen will be required to submit proof of fuel purchases for April 2026 at the beginning of May via a dedicated online service that is currently under development. Payments are expected to be made on a rolling basis in the weeks that follow.
The precise terms of the aid are still under discussion with the European Commission and industry representatives, based on a similar scheme introduced in 2023 and 2024 following the war in Ukraine. The level of any aid cap is expected to be a key point in negotiations, particularly for companies operating multiple vessels.
In addition to the fuel reimbursement scheme, the government has announced further measures to support fishing companies, including the deferral of social security contributions, the spreading of tax payments, and access to working capital loans guaranteed by Bpifrance. Discussions are also under way with the banking sector to encourage flexibility for companies facing cash‑flow pressures.
The government said the current crisis also underlines the need to accelerate the energy transition of the fishing fleet. Work is continuing at national and European level to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency, and advance the decarbonisation of the French fishing fleet.
