Rural French Drivers Cut Fuel Use as Prices Soar

Rising fuel prices, worsened by prolonged Middle East conflicts, are forcing rural French residents to drastically limit car use, confining many to their homes and restricting travel to essential work commutes. In rural areas heavily dependent on cars, residents like Nathalie from Rabastens now limit fuel purchases to 20 liters monthly, walk to local shops, and skip visits to family, with some planning protests on October 17. Others, like Régis, have sold their cars for motorcycles, while Sébastien relies on an electric vehicle lease to manage costs. French energy consumption fell 2.3% in August, according to INSEE. Government aid for high-mileage drivers was extended through year-end, expanding eligibility to 5.5 million people, though officials fear potential resurgence of protests similar to the Gilets jaunes movement.