France's Ministry of Economics & Finance is introducing a “Flash Fuel Loan” from 13 April to provide rapid cash-flow support to small businesses most exposed to higher fuel costs in the transport, agriculture and fishing sectors, in the context of a sharp rise in fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. Delivered with Bpifrance via an online platform, the loan ranges from EUR 5,000 to EUR 50,000, runs for 36 months with a 12-month principal repayment deferral, and carries a 3.8% interest rate. Funds are expected to be made available in around seven days on average and no borrower guarantee is required. Eligibility is limited to very small enterprises (TPEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are more than one year old, can provide at least 12 months of accounting documentation, have fuel expenses representing at least 5% of turnover, operate in an eligible sector, and hold a business bank account while granting Bpifrance read-only access to recent bank statements; the scheme also applies in France’s overseas departments and regions. Applications are to be submitted online via the Flash digital platform from 13 April.

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