Fuel prices in France have surged to their highest level in three years, placing mounting pressure on transport companies and raising fresh concerns about inflation across the economy.
Record fuel prices squeeze transport sector
The cost of automotive fuel in France has climbed to its highest level since 2022, marking an unprecedented increase, according to Jean-Pierre Samier, the owner of a transport company.
Filling a single truck now costs around €2,000, and Samier’s company operates a fleet of 30 vehicles. At current diesel prices, the cost of transporting goods can sometimes exceed the value of the cargo itself.
“We have never seen such a rise in prices before. It hits us immediately, because margins in the transport sector are already quite low, and we cannot significantly increase prices for our clients,” Samier said.
Fuel surge fuels inflation concerns
According to data from the European Commission, the price of AI-95 petrol at French filling stations has risen to €1.97 per litre. Similar trends are being observed across other European Union countries.
The increase in fuel prices is contributing to inflation in France, as transportation costs are factored into the price of goods and services. The surge has been driven by a sharp decline in oil exports from Persian Gulf countries and a lack of alternative supply sources.
In response, the French government has developed a package of measures aimed at mitigating the economic impact of rising fuel costs. According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, up to €70 billion will be allocated to support affected sectors.
Targeted aid for transport and agriculture
Small and medium-sized road transport companies will receive €50 million in aid. The funding is intended to support businesses facing financial difficulties due to the crisis, with one-off payments calculated at €0.20 per litre of fuel. The government also plans to continue efforts to electrify vehicle fleets in order to reduce dependence on imported fuel.
Farmers will receive a €14 million support package. From April, excise duties on fuel for agricultural machinery will be suspended. By March 30, EU agriculture and fisheries ministers are expected to discuss a potential suspension of the CBAM tax on imported fertilisers. An additional €5 million will be allocated in April to reduce fuel costs for fishing vessels.
France ready to tap strategic reserves
At a press conference, France’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Roland Lescure, said that following the International Energy Agency’s announcement of releasing 400 million barrels of oil onto the market, France had confirmed its readiness to contribute up to 14.5 million barrels from its strategic reserves.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, leader of the Debout la France (France Arise), wrote on his X:
“There is not enough fuel at more than one in ten gas stations! Here is France in 2026. While the French are rushing to refuel and go to work, the government continues to tax them and prefers to send billions abroad. Quickly, we need to eliminate VAT on TICPE and limit the margin.”
