It costs 1.25 euros per liter: how some motorists drive on GNR, a tax-free fuel used by farmers

GNR, recognizable by the smell, also emits red smoke. MAXPPP – James Hardy

With the rise in fuel prices, driving on red, GNR or non-road diesel, can cost you dearly in the event of an inspection by the police. Because it is absolutely prohibited if you do not have the right… 

It's a sensitive subject that not many people can talk about. the use of GNR, non-road diesel, exclusively intended for professional, often agricultural use. This fuel, absolutely identical to the diesel found in stations except that a red dye differentiates it from the others and above all, that its taxation is… reduced. ;

To the point that motorists are, most discreetly, filling up in farmers' tanks. Which is completely prohibited by law. And severely punished by a very heavy fine. 

Sold under conditions

At the station, diesel is close to 2 euros per liter when GNR returns to around 1.25 €/l. Le Parisien was able to obtain testimonies from motorists in rural areas, in Eure-et-Loir, who fill up their tanks "at a neighboring farmer. Neither seen nor known, but I am not the only one", promises a native in Renault Clio. There are a few who admit to driving with GNR… But omerta reigns in this matter. Difficult to assess the amount of fraud. 

In stations, GNR is sold with the mention: "This product can only be sold on condition that you provide your name and address to the distributor& ;quot;. The farmer must have a specific bulletin that has been issued. It cannot be distributed to anyone.

Fuel thefts on the rise

And be careful, because this colored fuel leaves traces and smokes red. Furthermore, it contains a lower sulfur content, a higher cetane index and a share of biofuels, specifies TotalEnergies on its website. So, he can even be recognized by the smell.

Des #agriculteurs bloquent les locaux de Total Energies à Pau. Ils demandent une détaxation du GNR et son plafonnement à 1€/L TTC. (@taragui_media) #AgriculteursEnColere #FarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/NgCy8yVgDq

— Anonyme Citoyen (@AnonymeCitoyen) March 13, 2024

If sometimes refueling with GNR can be fraudulent, farmers have also noticed an increase in fuel theft. To the point that many farmers had to put their vats under cover, in closed sheds. 

Blocage illimité en cours du centre TOTAL Jean Feger à Pau !!! Tant que nous n'aurons pas le GNR outimml de travail à 1€ TTC max nous ne partirons pas !!!! @coordinationrur #gers #hautepyrenees #pyreneesatlantiques #stopimpotgnr @FNSEA @CNEWS @BFMTV @franceinfo @francebleu pic.twitter.com/bPhKzKgKcw

— Coordination Rurale (@coordinationrur) March 13, 2024

In Pau, 70 farmers block the TotalEnergies site

The members of the Rural Coordination who block access to the Féger Center of TotalEnergies & Pau are maintaining their action this weekend. Since Tuesday March 12, nearly 70 farmers have been taking turns to obtain the reduction & amount of 1 euro including tax per liter (compared to 1.25 euros currently) of non-road diesel (GNR) used to operate agricultural machinery. New negotiations are to be held on Monday morning. Farmers say they are ready to take action. "block refineries".