Fuel prices continue to rise in France: tips to keep costs low

The average price of a litre of diesel (gazole) in France is now €2.07, a rise of 20% on the end of February when the conflict in the Middle East began.

An analysis of 9,500 service stations on Tuesday (March 17) by the AFP showed that prices are still increasing, up another 1% from Monday (March 16).

Diesel, most affected in France as the majority of the fuel is imported, has seen costs increase by 35 cents per litre, or around 20%, since the start of the conflict.

The €2 per litre threshold was reached on March 9 for diesel and, despite pledges by supermarket bosses to drop prices, has continued to climb. 

Petrol is close behind, with average costs now estimated to be €1.91 per litre for SP95, the most used type in France. 

The SP98 petrol is averaging €1.99 per litre. 

These average prices remain below the cap imposed by TotalEnergies at its service stations, but are higher than at the end of February. 

You can check the price of fuel at stations near you in France via this official site.

Yo-yo prices expected 

While costs continue to rise, there is an element of uncertainty to future fuel costs. 

Prices are directly tied to the price of crude oil, which has risen since the beginning of the conflict. Surpassing $100 several times since the start of the war, a barrel of Brent (the standard used on global markets) was at $103.50 yesterday. 

The market’s volatility – prices briefly rose to $120 per barrel at one point – is expected to ease as it seems the conflict is to become protracted, seeing oil prices remain at a steady, if higher, level. This should allow for a stabilising of prices. 

However, any sudden increases or drops in price would be reflected at the pumps, said head of the E.Leclerc supermarket chain Michel-Édouard Leclerc. 

Mr Leclerc had previously promised a price reduction of up to 30 cents per litre at supermarket service stations, however had to retract the pledge over the weekend citing instability in oil prices. 

How can drivers lower costs?

With no indication that prices are set to fall to levels at the start of the year until at least the end of the current conflict, drivers are looking for ways to cut down on fuel costs.

The most immediate thing drivers can do is shop around for the best fuel deals at service stations near them, as prices can vary between suppliers. 

Drivers can also take other practical matters to help reduce fuel usage.

Reduce vehicle load 

Heavier vehicles consume more fuel, and reducing the total weight of your car can cut the amount of fuel you use by up to 20%. 

While you cannot reduce the base weight of your vehicle, making sure it is not carrying unnecessary weight can make the vehicle more fuel efficient. 

Remove heavy items that are not being used from the boot, and take off bike racks or roof storage weights if they are not being used. 

Remember to keep an emergency supply kit, as well as the legally-required triangle warning lights and yellow jacket for emergency breakdowns. 

Keep car and tyres in good condition

Keeping your tyres full of air can reduce fuel consumption. Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by around 5%.

In general, keeping your car in good condition helps maintain a good fuel consumption, and the more aerodynamic a vehicle is the less fuel it uses. 

Be resourceful with air conditioning 

Having your aircon (or heating) on will increase fuel consumption, as the greater the difference between outside and inside temperatures in a vehicle will see more fuel used to moderate interior conditions. 

Minimising the use of aircon, heating, or other elements that use fuel (heating your seats, etc) can see your fuel consumption decrease. 

Adapt driving habits 

Finally, adapting your driving habits can help. 

Avoid busy times where possible as sitting in traffic and frequently stopping-starting the vehicle at low speeds (up to 20 km/h) uses significantly more fuel than driving at a steady pace. 

Consistently revving your engine can also use fuel quicker than normal, with vehicle manufacturers recommending engine speeds stay at around 2,000 rpm to maximise efficiency.