Fuel prices have been rising sharply, and overall inflation is increasing, yet supermarket prices have stayed the same in July and August, according to the Circana institute. This stability is due to the fact that most product prices are set annually at the start of the year, meaning major price increases are not expected until March. However, manufacturers are dealing with rising costs, including pork prices, which have gone up by 40 to 50 cents per kilogram since July 1st, and higher costs for seasonings and other ingredients. Fuel costs are also becoming too expensive for some producers to manage. Nicolas Montserret, a sausage producer in the Rhône region, explained that negotiations with large retailers are planned for the end of the year. He warned that raising prices now could cause customers to switch to other brands. Montserret also said that absorbing costs by reducing profit margins is not a long-term solution. Léonard Prunier, an executive representing manufacturers like coffee brand Malongo and snack company Brets, urged distributors to begin price talks. He pointed out that transportation costs have risen by 30%, packaging costs have increased by over 10%, and agricultural raw materials are more expensive due to droughts in some regions. He added that small and medium-sized businesses in other European countries have already passed these higher costs on to consumers. Some manufacturers are hinting at possible price increases of 3 to 5%, but it is still too early to see a clear trend. Nicolas Facon, who represents global companies like Danone and Coca-Cola, said that any price hikes would be minimal, just a few cents per product, and not as dramatic as the rise in fuel prices. He emphasized that even these small increases would be important for both food processors and agricultural producers, who are struggling with higher costs. Supermarket chains like Leclerc and Auchan have reportedly been reluctant to renegotiate prices now, fearing that accepting higher costs could lead to losing customers if their competitors do not. These negotiations are expected to be difficult, especially since they will take place during the French presidential campaign, a time when companies are particularly sensitive about public perception and political influence.