Socialist leader urges emergency fuel relief as unions warn of intensified protests

Paul Magnette urged the government to act urgently on the diesel price surge, calling for the repeal of the tax increase introduced in August, short-term subsidies and the capture of excess profits earned by oil firms. Hillal Sor, secretary-general of the Métallos FGTB, warned that the escalating fuel costs are turning commuting into a financial burden for workers, particularly those on night shifts or in poorly served industrial zones.

He highlighted that the metal sector could see reduced output, delayed investments and job losses if energy expenses remain high. The socialist union rejected the notion that the situation is inevitable and pointed to levers such as excise duties and price-intervention mechanisms. In the absence of concrete measures, the Métallos said they would call for a tougher mobilisation, extending actions beyond the existing inter-professional calendar. The federal government has begun discussions on budgetary notes, with the MR party favouring activation of a reverse-clawback mechanism that lowers excise duties once a price threshold is crossed.