But where will the rise stop? Fuel prices keep climbing across France. To such an extent that, at the country’s most expensive station, the liter is flirting with three euros. A situation that has consequences for the habits of French consumers, as well as for purchasing power.
A liter is almost three euros!
This Monday, September 14, a barrel of oil was nearly $108. A fresh sudden uptick that will ripple into the stations. The fuel bill keeps rising for motorists. On average in France, a liter of gasoline runs around €2.11.
At the same time, diesel sits at €2.30. Compared with the same period in 2025, the prices are up by 40 and 67 cents respectively. But this is an average. In practice, some stations have lower prices but others are higher. That’s the case of a station on the Côte d’Azur where SP98 is €2.80 per liter and diesel at €2.97 for a liter.
Experts thus do not wish to s’anticiper too far on the situation to come at stations. Philippe Casbas explained to our colleagues at RMC that “liters at 3 euros are unrealistic in the coming weeks. Still, nothing is unimaginable.”
Meanwhile, anger is rising among motorists. Calls are circulating on social networks to block the country and demand a gesture from the government.
Lower consumption
The situation becomes untenable for many motorists as prices hit records in the hexagon. The direct consequence: a drop in fuel consumption.
A trend that was already observable as far back as February. Data published by the French Union of Petroleum Industries show a more pronounced change in behavior.
Since April, the decline in fuel consumption has been about 5 to 6% nationwide. But in August 2026 alone, the decline stood at 6.6% compared with August 2026. Diesel loses 9.2% while unleaded loses about 2%.
This drop in consumption inevitably weighs on public finances given how heavy the taxes are on fuels. A revenue shortfall that could push the government to rethink its policy direction. Currently, no generalized aid is expected, just as a tax cut is not planned. As a reminder, a 100€ aid is still available for long-haul drivers.
To benefit from it, eligibility and certain conditions apply. The application is completed online on the dedicated aid site.
