One-off payment to help 36 million French motorists hit by rising fuel prices

Petrol prices have soared (Francois Mori/AP)

French Prime Minister Jean Castex has announced that millions of lower and medium-income motorists will be given 100 euros (£84) in financial assistance to help them cope with rising fuel prices.

Mr Castex said on TF1 television that it was “an exceptional response to an exceptional situation”.