Fuel use drops sharply in France

French fuel consumption has dropped significantly as drivers wait for government-announced price cuts starting November 1st. Some gas stations have seen a 40% drop in fuel sales, with the overall trend described as a "real collapse" by Coopérative U CEO Dominique Schelcher.

Fuel sales decline continues

Fuel sales have fallen by 10% year-to-date, with the drop accelerating in October. Data from the Professional Committee of Petroleum shows a 4.8% decrease in fuel deliveries for road use in the first nine months of 2026, mostly due to a sharp drop in diesel sales.

Government plans to cut diesel prices

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced plans to lower diesel prices starting November 1st by using strategic oil reserves. The expected price drop is between 0.12 and 0.18 euros per liter, which would save drivers about 10 euros per full tank.

Concerns over implementation

The government’s plan has raised concerns about how it will be carried out. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) will monitor distributors to ensure the price cuts are applied, but managing this daily is seen as complex.

Industry warns of challenges

Industry representatives have warned that smaller stations may struggle with the frequent adjustments needed to apply the discounts. Dominique Schelcher of Système U said the measure would only offer a "small breath of oxygen" and would not solve the long-term issues facing the sector.