France, April 6 -- The French Ministry of the Economy announced at the weekend that a new "flash fuel loan" scheme will be launched imminently in partnership with Bpifrance, France's state-backed public investment bank, aiming to ease immediate cash flow pressures for firms most exposed to rising energy prices.

Under the scheme, micro-enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses will be able to access loans ranging from €5,000 to €50,000 at a fixed interest rate of 3.80 percent. Crucially, the loans will be unsecured, making them more accessible to smaller firms that may struggle to provide collateral.

Eligible sectors include transport, agriculture and fisheries - industries where fuel costs represent at least five per...