Behind the wheel of her city car, she patiently waits for a seat at the gas station to become available, so that in turn she will go “to the scaffold”, as she says. “I’m going to fill up to anticipate the next increase, to feel more comfortable. “Result: 95 euros. “This is the first time in twenty-two years of driving,” Bordeaux says wordlessly. “95 euros. Mashed potatoes. »
“Europeans, we must make an effort”
Behind her, a crowd of cars are lining up to fill up at the station: as elsewhere in recent days, people are drawn to the price stimulus. As soon as she returned to her car, Emmanuelle honked. A heavy atmosphere fueled by disappointment, expectations, prices and, of course, the geopolitical context. “I’m more afraid of Putin than the price of gasoline,” says Jean-Pierre. The cap is screwed on the skull, the pensioner is not afraid for his wallet yet. “I’m afraid to see war here in France. In this case, the fuel is secondary. »
“I’m more afraid of Putin than the price of gasoline,” says pensioner Jean-Pierre.
Thomas Chollet-Lunault
On February 23, on the eve of the Russian dictator’s declaration of war, a barrel of oil cost $97. It rose today March 5 to $118. “I poured 30 liters and not one more,” Jean-Pierre announces without taking his eyes off the counter. “It’s been a while since I’ve heard the filling machine click to keep the tank from overflowing. And yet I’m not the most pitiable. »
“It’s been a while since I’ve heard the filling machine click to keep the tank from overflowing. And yet I’m not the most pitiful.”
Annette stands between the smell of gasoline and the exhaust pipes. La Bordelaise sees price increases as a sacrifice to be made. “As Europeans, we will have to make an effort. Economic sanctions against Russia have a price that falls on citizens. So I have to pay a little more, even if I can’t always afford it,” she says deadpan.
“We are leaving Covid to go to war”
Frederic and Nicole are also “in solidarity”. After a visit to the gas station, this elderly couple will buy hygiene products to distribute to Ukrainian refugees in Fluarac. “In this whole downturn, we haven’t been hit the hardest,” Frederick says from behind his red glasses. “Obviously, the price of gas affects our daily lives. But we are doing well and we don’t use our vehicle much,” says Nicole.
Nicole and Frederic want to buy hygiene products for Ukrainian refugees in Fluarac.
Thomas Chollet-Lunault
Financial efforts, some just can’t do it. “Today I invested 10.50 euros. I have to if I want to finish the month,” breathes Cecile, home help. The thirties, accompanied by their daughter, talk in detail about their daily lives: “Every month I end up with empty pockets. We eat pasta, we manage. Not so long ago, I was in favor of purchasing power and against rising fuel prices. It’s a little depressing…” However, her job forces her to use the car several times a day. “My employer reimburses 10 centimes per kilometer. I hope this package will evolve along with the price of the pump. »
“Today I invested 10.50 euros. I have to if I want to end the month.”
Nelly is a nurse. “We are leaving Covid to go to war,” she exhales sadly. Despite the armed conflict and the economic crisis, she does not forget about the environment. “I use diesel. I know that I pollute the environment more than others, but I can’t afford to change vehicles. Therefore, in order to consume less, I never travel for a single task. I try to do my part for the planet. »
This Saturday, Auchan Bouliac made an offensive offer for the price of gasoline.
Laurent Teillet / SOUTHWEST
In such alarming situations, it’s hard not to see the glass half empty. “I feel privileged,” says Safi, director of the beauty salon. “In the culture of the moment, I think we often do too much for everything. Yes, we pay more for our gasoline. But France is not at war. We are happy about it. »
Future measures
According to credit insurance company Euler Hermes, fuel or gas prices, as well as household energy costs, could rise by up to 400 euros this year and reach an average of 2,800 euros. On Friday, March 4, Barbara Pompili, Minister of Ecological Transition, announced on Franceinfo the “introduction of a device to protect” the French. It will include a “sustainability plan” presented by Prime Minister Jean Castex next week.