On 4 December 2018, the French government postponed increases in petrol prices that led to the worst street riots since 1968.
Protesters have worn yellow vests, “gilets jaunes”, and torn up cobble stones as projectiles and caused damage at Arc de Triomphe (recently the scene of international commemoration of the centenary of the first world war). Four people have been killed.
The tax rises were due on 1 January 2019. They have been postponed for six months to allow for consultation.
In France, the price of diesel has risen by 23% in one year to €1.51 a litre. As the equivalent to £1.32, this is similar to UK prices. [18.12]