What did French Budget Minister David Amiel say about the possibility of an exceptional tax on TotalEnergies?

"There is no taboo" against possible exceptional taxes to redistribute TotalEnergies' excess profits from rising crude oil prices, though the government currently prefers capping fuel prices at the pump as the most effective immediate measure, according to Budget Minister David Amiel in a Radio J interview.

How has TotalEnergies' recent financial performance influenced the debate over potential taxation in France?

TotalEnergies boosted share buybacks and dividends after first-quarter profits rebounded due to soaring oil and gas prices and strong trading performance, prompting French officials—including Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Socialist leader Olivier Faure—to call for scrutiny and propose measures like a windfall profit tax linked to the Middle East conflict, with Faure suggesting it could raise €2 billion.

France Says ‘No Taboo’ on Possible TotalEnergies Exceptional Tax

May 17, 2026

France stated it will not rule out an exceptional tax on TotalEnergies due to excess profits from soaring oil prices, though fuel-price caps remain preferred. The levy aims to redistribute windfall gains amid Middle East-driven market turmoil.

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