French fishermen blocked access to ports and a fuel depot in southern France on Thursday as they protested soaring diesel prices and rising operating costs.
Fishermen blocked the entrances to the ports of Nice and Sète, as well as an oil depot in Frontignan, near Sète, disrupting access along parts of the Mediterranean coast. The protests came as diesel prices in France approached a record high.
Diesel, the main fuel used by motorists in France, rose above €2.37 a litre on Thursday, just below the previous record of €2.38, according to government data analysed by AFP.
The surge in fuel prices has been linked to the broader rise in global energy costs amid the conflict between the United States and Iran. Crude oil prices have climbed sharply this month, putting additional pressure on fuel-intensive industries such as fishing.
The government had already announced plans to increase fuel subsidies for fishermen to the maximum level permitted under European Union rules. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the subsidy would rise from 25 to 35 cents per litre.
However, fishermen said the measures did not fully address their concerns. Their demands included stronger support for fuel costs, payment of outstanding subsidies and changes involving fishing quotas and Mediterranean management rules.
After more than six hours of talks with fishing representatives, Maritime and Fisheries Minister Catherine Chabaud said the government would introduce additional fuel assistance linked to changes in fuel prices. She also announced an interest-free loan to help fishermen manage their cash flow while waiting for subsidy payments.
The fishermen subsequently agreed to lift the blockades at Nice and Frontignan, although negotiations on several issues remain ongoing.
The protests come as France faces wider economic and political pressure from rising energy costs and prepares its 2027 budget. The government is seeking major spending reductions while trying to contain the impact of higher fuel prices on households and businesses.
