Yellow Vests Protesters Return to Streets of France amid Energy Price Hike (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – France's 'yellow vests' protesters, whose movement started in November 2018 due to a rise in petrol prices, took to the streets in Paris for their weekly demonstration.
Protests for the past months have been centered on the COVID health pass, but many also carried banners criticizing the rising energy bills.
Over the last few months, energy costs have risen dramatically over the world, adding to inflationary pressures. The harsh winter in Europe last year put a strain on supply, and as a result, stored gas levels are significantly lower than typical.
France will move to ease the cost of rising prices for consumers by blocking further natural gas price hikes and by preventing a planned increase in electricity tariffs scheduled in February, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday (September 30).
Castex added that petrol will not be included on that list, saying the situation was "different".
Drivers have been complaining that prices are reaching the 2 euro per liter mark, and putting pressure on their living costs.
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said earlier this week he expected rising energy prices to last for a "few more months."