Andorra's Fuel Voucher Scheme for French Drivers Mired in Confusion Amid Highway Closure
Andorran government promises 30-euro weekly fuel vouchers to counter RN-20 closure impact, but petrol stations and tourist office report no.
Key Points
- Andorra offers weekly 30-euro fuel vouchers to Occitania vehicles affected by RN-20 highway closure.
- Petrol stations flooded with French inquiries but lack validation protocols or official guidance.
- Pas de la Casa tourist office has no collection process details, unable to assist callers.
- Businesses await clarity post-holiday; voucher may extend to purchases, unconfirmed.
The Andorran government announced last Wednesday a package of measures to mitigate the economic fallout from the RN-20 highway closure, including a weekly 30-euro fuel voucher for vehicles from Occitania departments in France. However, petrol stations and the Pas de la Casa tourist office report receiving a flood of inquiries from French drivers, with no clear details yet on how or when the scheme will operate.
Tourism and Commerce Minister Jordi Torres presented the voucher as part of the initial response to support Pas de la Casa's businesses. He indicated that a regulation would outline the collection process, "most probably at the Pas de la Casa tourist office." Yet staff there confirmed they have received no protocol or timeline, leaving them unable to assist the steady stream of callers and visitors seeking information.
Petrol stations described a similar situation. Managers said they have had no official communication from authorities and cannot validate vehicle origins or process claims, despite the high volume of French customers asking about the discount. The issue was raised during Friday's Economic and Social Council meeting, but no procedure has been finalised.
Local businesses hope for clarity in the coming days, following the weekend and yesterday's public holiday. Some merchants noted the voucher could also apply to purchases, though this remains unconfirmed amid the ongoing uncertainty. The RN-20 disruption continues to strain the area's economy, prompting these emergency supports.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: