France Prepares Financial Aid for Airlines Facing Jet Fuel Price Surge

The French government is preparing to provide financial aid to airlines affected by a surge in jet fuel prices, Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said. In a post on X, Tabarot said the government and airlines made progress during a meeting on Wednesday.

The discussions covered deferrals of social security contributions, extended tax payment deadlines, and greater flexibility on fuel loads. "Airlines are facing a major shock. The government is fully committed to supporting them and helping them get through this difficult time," he said.

European authorities are seeking solutions to avoid broad aviation disruptions this summer. Airlines have warned of jet fuel shortages within weeks. Europe relies on the Middle East for almost 75 percent of its jet fuel imports.

The jet fuel price increases stem from ongoing conflict in the Middle East. A French aircraft carrier is heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s traded oil moved prior to the war, the French Ministry of Armed Forces said on Wednesday.

British energy company Shell reported a 19-percent rise in net profits for the first quarter. Profit after tax increased to $5.69 billion from $4.78 billion in the first quarter of 2025. Chief Executive Wael Sawan attributed the results to operational performance during volatile energy markets.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon’s Nabatieh killed one person and injured several others, the National News Agency reported. Strikes also targeted other areas in southern Lebanon, including Yater and roads near Khirbet Selm and Qalawiya. Israel issued new forced displacement orders for residents in three towns in southern Lebanon: Deir al-Zahrani, Bafroa, and Habush.