All of the aid for the purchase of fuel promised by the government in March, when diesel prices soared against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, have not yet been followed up, deplore in a press release the main French fishermen's federations, the Union of French Fishing Shipowners (UAPF) and the National Association of Producer Organizations (ANOP).
Prime Minister Jean Castex said on March 16 that a discount of 35 cents per liter of diesel purchased would be granted to fishermen.
This measure must be part of the resilience plan promised by Emmanuel Macron to deal with the economic consequences of the war in Ukraine.
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In fact, fishermen can already take advantage of the discount at the pump of 15 centimes per liter granted to all since April 1 and until July 31.
To reach the total of 35 cents promised by Jean Castex, additional aid of 20 cents per liter must be granted specifically to fishermen, whose trawling boats are large consumers of fuel.
It is this specific help that is still awaited today.
"
French fishing today has no information on the methods of its implementation
", advance the UAPF and the ANOP in a press release.
Fishing companies “in the red”
"
We took the brunt of the increase in fuel prices
" in March, explains Xavier Leduc, president of the UAPF, who confides that some trawlers had to stay at the dock for several days at that time.
The discount at the pump of 15 centimes per liter which occurred on April 1 made it possible to temporarily relieve fishermen by "
feeding the cash
", he explains, also indicating that he fears the end of this exceptional aid, which is due to take place on July 31. .
“
There are companies that are in the red.
She can endure the situation for a month, but it can't last longer.
If no other measure is put in place, it is the certain death of French fishing
e”, advances the president of the UAPF.
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The main means of selling fresh fish is the fish auction, which consists of an auction of lots of fish.
Fishing companies therefore have no control over selling prices.
It is then impossible for them to systematically pass on the increase in the price of fuel, which weighs on their profitability.
The federations also declare that they regret that trawlers refueling abroad because of their fishing sector are excluded from the aid system at the pump.
The representatives of the federations argue that 30% of fuel purchases by fishermen are thus excluded from the pump discount system.
Road carriers also waiting
On the side of road hauliers, we deplore technical obstacles to the payment of aid for the purchase of fuel promised by the government.
The resilience plan includes flat-rate vehicle aid totaling €400 million that will be distributed to businesses.
To receive this aid, carriers must register on an online platform of the Services and Payment Agency (ASP), the state body responsible for implementing public policies.
However, the National Federation of Road Carriers (FNTP) indicates that many carriers are facing technical difficulties on the platform which are delaying the payment of aid.
"
A lot of companies are unable to
“, Details a spokesperson for the FNTP.
"
It will have to be resolved quickly because there is an emergency
," she also says.
The Ministry Delegate for Transport declared on Friday evening that the difficulties experienced by certain companies when submitting their application are "
related to the very large number of connections
" and "
have been corrected
".
“
The first installments should arrive next week
,” the transport ministry also said.