It’s an acronym the general public was unfamiliar with until the agricultural crisis: GNR for non-road diesel. This red fuel is used to power tractor engines, but also for construction machinery in construction and public works. Less polluting than fuel oil, it was introduced in France in January 2011 and became mandatory for all industrial machinery in November of the same year.
Until recently, the price of GNR, 40% cheaper than conventional diesel, was a concession to large daily consumers of this fuel, agricultural and construction companies. Apart from that, according to Bersi, this support for non-road agricultural diesel represents 1.3 billion euros per year, compared to non-agricultural GNR 1.1 billion.
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This was before Bruno Le Maire reviewed and rectified the situation in September 2023. In full preparation for the 2024 budget, the economy minister announced the removal of the tax loophole. “Just to change our taxation from brown taxation – a tax that encourages the consumption of fossil fuels, so it’s bad for the climate – to a taxation that encourages green investments”.
And Bursa’s boss announced that the end of the tax exemption will apply from January 1, 2024 and 2030 respectively for construction and public works and for farmers even after that. He also received the National Federation of Agricultural Unions (FNSEA), Construction Federations (FFB), Public Works Federations (FNTP) as well as the Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium Sized Construction Companies (CAPEB) for negotiations.
The face of the farmers
About-face last Friday. While visiting a farm, the Prime Minister announced a gradual phasing out of tax on non-road diesel till 2030. Between two bales of hay, Gabriel Attal suggested ending one bale “The Kafkaesque System”.
“You pay your GNR, you have to fill out lots of paperwork, and the next year you get help. Objectively, it is unspeakably complicated. Continued tenant of Matignon.
Otherwise, the deduction allowed on this fuel will now be made on purchase, and not after the fact on proof, from July 1, 2024. The executive has also accelerated in this direction. “To provide immediate cash flow support”, It has just opened a reimbursement platform.
government” It is decided to pay an advance for 2024, corresponding to 50% of the amount reimbursed based on purchases made in 2023. This advance is offered automatically while submitting the reimbursement request and will be paid within that period without further formality. 15 days », he writes on the website of the Ministry of Economy, which estimates the cash benefit at 200 million euros since February.
The decision surprised construction professionals
Still: The decision surprised construction professionals, who seek to be in the same boat. Earlier in the week, Bruno Le Maire therefore met the presidents of the relevant federations, starting with French Building Federation (FFB) boss Olivier Celeron. On LinkedIn, he published a photo of himself with the minister, explaining that he called for strong action for equal treatment at the GNR. Today, his teams refuse to comment further …
Another prominent actor challenging Bercy on February 26: the National Federation of Public Works (FNTP). “We are waiting to know the nature of the reparations measures that have been announced but not specified and we want to move quickly and strongly on measures aimed at ensuring that payment deadlines are respected”,
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The Confederation of Crafts and Small and Medium-sized Construction Companies (CAPEB) was also acquired by Bruno Le Maire. “He promised our president Jean-Christophe Rapon that steps would be taken to secure the VSE in the building,” Says a member of his congregation.
Professionals testify to the lack of alternatives to GNR
Since then, the Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion indicated during his will on January 31 that he would make an announcement for the region on February 15. Meanwhile, economic players point to a lack of non-road diesel options.
“Even today, the majority of machines sold in France are diesel-powered machines. The sector that is being established is electric with compact machines, but the offer should expand further in the coming years.” La Tribune announced Pascal Petit-Jean, General Secretary of the Union of International Trade Companies of Automotive and Mechanical Equipment and Supplies.
” Despite genuine efforts by manufacturers to develop operational and alternative equipment for RNG, sales remain very low and face numerous obstacles, including higher acquisition costs than conventional equipment. », he continues. Especially since there is no assistive device such as electrical bonus…
An observation shared by the General Representative of the Federation of Distribution, Rental, Maintenance and Service Sectors, DLR, for equipment intended for construction and handling.
“We went to ask the state for a subsidy of 60-100 million euros – which is nothing for the state budget – but what is surprising is that the senior administration did not take this into account in their reflection on the construction site and construction specificity. Tools”, still amazed
Hervé Reballo with La Tribune.Last problem and not least
Similarly, equipment manufacturers grouped together in the Evolis union, he regrets“There is no real industrial policy for the machinery and equipment sector to support (market surveillance at borders, anti-dumping measures, etc.) and European manufacturers by promoting their environmentally sound innovations”.
Added to this is a final and not least problem: energy supply to construction sites. As it is non-road, equipment cannot be supplied outside the work zone and power must be supplied on site. For which installation of charging station or mobile refueling station is required…