Fuel prices rise sharply in France

Fuel prices in France have risen significantly over the past two years, with unleaded 95-E10 increasing by 16% since September 2024 to 2.01 euros in August 2026, and diesel rising by 31% to 2.21 euros, peaking at 2.41 euros in September.

Financial strain on households

This increase has led to substantial financial pressure on households, with filling a 35-liter city car tank costing up to 77.35 euros in diesel and 143.65 euros for a 65-liter SUV. According to a survey by DiscoverCars, 31% of French respondents say they are "very" affected in their budget, compared to 21% worldwide.

Adaptation through behavior

Despite these rising costs, French drivers are adapting their behaviors rather than switching to electric vehicles. Nearly half of the respondents compare station prices (48%) and avoid unnecessary trips (47%), while 38% use their car less and 25% walk more for short distances. Only 21% of French respondents claim to have made no changes behind the wheel since the rise in fuel prices, compared to 30% worldwide.

Reluctance to switch to electric vehicles

A survey conducted in September 2026 by DiscoverCars, which cross-referenced responses from 1,110 international clients with public data from INSEE, found that 57% of the surveyed French people do not consider switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle for now, a rate higher than the international average (52%). Globally, only 8% are considering electric vehicles and 15% are considering hybrids, while 7% say they have already made the switch.

Contrast with electric vehicle sales

This reluctance toward electrification contrasts with the French new car market, where electric vehicles set a record at 41.6% of sales in September 2026 (65,247 registrations, +107.5% year-on-year). However, this does not reflect the behavior of all motorists, as the initial cost and the constraints of recharging remain major barriers despite the surge in fuel prices.

International fuel crisis impact

The fuel crisis, which began with the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, continues to have significant negative effects internationally, with France being among the most expensive countries for diesel. This has profoundly changed the daily behavior of the French, with 38% now using their vehicles less. According to the latest DiscoverCars survey published in October last year, 48% of the respondents say they compare the prices of gas stations, and 47% try to avoid unnecessary trips. Additionally, 25% now prefer walking for short trips.