Freezing gas prices should cost "probably 10 billion euros over the whole of 2022", against 1.2 billion euros budgeted so far, he explained on RMC / BFM TV.
“The cap on electricity prices” cost “8 billion euros and the inflation compensation 4 billion euros”, detailed the minister.
"The total bill amounts to more than 20 billion euros on the sole protection of our compatriots against soaring energy prices", he concluded.
The government is ready to take “more” measures to support household purchasing power, but if necessary, these will be “targeted” responses, assured Bruno Le Maire.
"It will not be a + whatever the cost +", hammered the Minister of the Economy.
"We do not respond to a major geopolitical turning point only by paying a check here or there", he developed in reference to the Russian offensive in Ukraine launched at the end of February, which accentuated the rise in energy prices. .
“We will provide a response to all the French people most affected by the crisis, (…) responses targeted at those who need it the most”, added Bruno Le Maire.
On Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron asked Prime Minister Jean Castex to draw up "an economic and social resilience plan" to respond to the difficulties arising from the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, including rising energy and raw material prices. .
With regard to French companies, Bruno Le Maire spoke out on Friday for "targeted and massive support for sectors that need it".
© 2022 AFP