France has been swept by protests that began over conditions in high schools but have since broadened into anger over the cost of living and soaring energy prices, which are putting both businesses and consumers at risk.
Soaring fuel prices are being matched by rising public debt, raising concerns about the French government's ability to fund itself. Meanwhile, as nationwide student protests continue to mount, they are being amplified by the return of the yellow vest movement.
That movement emerged nearly ten years ago also over high fuel prices. Now, history is repeating for drivers suffering the impact of conflicts involving Iran and Russia -- two of the world's biggest energy suppliers.
"When you're living on a budget and you have to drive every day, it's not normal that it's so expensive," said a driver in northern France's Lille.
"I'm spending around 30 percent more now. I'm very pessimistic, especially with the current situation," said another driver.
Total, one of the country's biggest fuel providers, is extending a price cap until early next year, but the move has offered small comfort for hauliers that consume large amounts of fuel.
"Roughly 30 percent of our costs are related to fuel or energy. And when you have a rise that is closer to 40 or 50 percent in those costs with a one-percent margin for our companies on the average, then you can imagine how extreme this can be for us," said Alexis Gibergues, president of the Organization of European Road Transporters.
As low winter supplies and Middle East fighting squeeze markets, November futures for Dutch TTF gas -- Europe's benchmark -- have risen above 100 euros per megawatt hour, the highest since December 2022.
France, together with the rest of the European Union and leading Western economies, is dipping into fuel reserves to increase supply and aiming to bring down prices. However, some think that even greater global coordination for this wider crisis is urgently needed.
"Whatever happens in other countries across Europe has an impact for all of us. So what we believe is there is a very diverse approach in responses in the face of a fuel crisis in Europe, whereas we should have a unified and coordinated approach," said Gibergues.
European leaders say they are trying to bring down energy prices, but insist the long-term solution to this crisis is switching from oil and gas to green energy.
France's soaring energy prices crush households, businesses
France's soaring energy prices crush households, businesses
France's soaring energy prices crush households, businesses
