BRUSSELS, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Monday approved a 212-million-euro (243.8 million U.S. dollars) French state aid scheme to support agricultural and aquaculture companies affected by higher fuel prices linked to the Middle East crisis.
The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework adopted in April. According to the Commission, prices for non-road diesel fuel (GNR) rose by 74 percent between February and May 2026, increasing costs by an average of 0.41 euros (47 cents) per liter compared with 2025 levels.
The aid will cover additional fuel costs for fuel purchased between May and August 2026 and will be provided in direct grants based on the volume of fuel purchased.
Eligible companies can receive 0.15 euros (17 cents) per liter of GNR bought from May 1 to Aug. 31. The scheme will run until Dec. 31 this year.
The Commission said the measure will be provided to temporarily support companies active in the primary production of agricultural and aquaculture products without unduly affecting competition.
