France appeals to drivers over petrol usage

France’s finance minister wants advisories on gasoline pumps – akin to health warnings on cigarette packets or alcoholic drinks – urging motorists to use energy sparingly.

Thierry Breton, meeting today with reporters, also said learner drivers should be tested on how to drive economically.

Breton said advertisements from energy suppliers should carry a notice reading: “Energy is a rare commodity that must be preserved.”

“I want distributors to mobilise so that motorists are made aware of energy-saving,” said the minister. He said he wanted “each pump equipped with a small sign,” and recommendations on saving petrol printed on receipts.

He indicated that such measures could be included in a bill to parliament.

Breton also announced the creation of a website showing pump prices at French gas stations, so motorists will be able find the cheapest around where they live or on journeys.

The site will require a law, which Breton said he hoped would be introduced to parliament “as quickly as possible".