France announced a 450 million euro aid package (around $512 million) to support individuals and businesses facing soaring energy prices, including subsidies for commutes of at least 15 kilometers and assistance ranging from 48 to 277 euros for 5.8 million families with their winter heating bills. Fuel prices have increased by 50%, hitting small businesses hard, particularly rural bakeries that use oil or gas-fired ovens, such as one couple in Saint-Just-en-Chaussée whose bill for 2,000 liters reached 2,230 euros in March. In rural areas, where nearly one-third of the French population lives across nearly 90% of the territory, households depend heavily on heating oil for both heating and transportation, with some having to choose between heating and eating. The French government will try to contain social unrest, as memories of the Yellow Vest movement, largely rooted in these rural areas where fuel prices had been a triggering factor, remain fresh.
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