Gas stations in Paris stop selling diesel
Since 1 October 2024, some major petrol stations in Paris will no longer be allowed to sell diesel. This is what Het Laatste Nieuws & Gocar report (in Dutch). The stations, which together accounted for half of all diesel sales in the city, are mainly located along the busy Périphérique ring road. The ban is another step in the plan to phase out diesel cars from Paris.
Fuel
Stopping diesel sales for better air quality in Paris
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is striving to improve air quality in the city. She has already taken steps such as introducing a 50 km/h speed limit on the Périphérique and increasing parking fees for large vehicles such as SUVs. The recently announced ban on diesel at petrol stations is part of its broader plan to make Paris a more sustainable and cleaner city. The ultimate goal is to ban diesel cars completely from the French capital, an ambition Hidalgo has been pursuing since 2014.
What does this mean for Belgian motorists and Brussels?
Stopping diesel sales in Paris also has implications for Belgian motorists. Many Belgians regularly drive through Paris on their way to southern France, and with fewer diesel stations in the city, it is more important to plan refuelling stops in advance. This can avoid waiting times and crowds at the remaining diesel stations. For Belgian tourists, the diesel ban may mean extra travel time or detours.
In addition, the policy in Paris may also affect Brussels. Like Paris, Brussels has already introduced a low-emission zone (LEZ) to keep out polluting vehicles. The success of the measures in Paris may inspire Brussels to accelerate its own plans for a full diesel ban by 2030. If the Brussels government tightens these measures, Belgian motorists may increasingly face diesel restrictions similar to those in Paris.
Travel tips for diesel drivers
For tourists and motorists travelling through Paris, the diesel ban means more planning ahead. Diesel cars typically have a longer driving range, which helps when planning a refuelling stop outside the city. Finally, you can visit Paris with peace of mind by using our station finder to look for petrol stations just before the border and still fill up your car with diesel.
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