France says it is launching an emergency loan programme to help small and medium-sized businesses exposed to soaring fuel prices driven by the war in the Middle East, AFP reports.

The economy ministry said firms in the transportation, agriculture and fisheries industries would be eligible for the “flash fuel loans” of up to 50,000 euros ($57,600).

Public investment bank Bpifrance will issue the loans via a streamlined digital process that will make the money available within seven days, the ministry said in a statement.

Opinion

Trouble at home

Trouble at home

The country’s strength lies in its political and economic stability, not in fleeting moments of diplomatic success.

Editorial

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