Gas prices for households in France have nearly doubled

In France, the price of gas per megawatt-hour (MWh) paid by households has almost doubled in five years. This increase has had a significant impact on energy costs for residents, particularly in regions where gas is still widely used for heating.

Industrial users are most affected by gas prices

The price of gas primarily affects industrial users, who rely on energy for their manufacturing processes. However, in some European countries, the cost of MWh of gas can also influence household budgets, especially in areas where residential heating still largely depends on gas.

Gas heating remains common in many European countries

Nearly 40% of homes in France are still heated with gas, according to the ADEME, even though gas represents less than a third of the energy consumed by households for heating. In the Netherlands, Italy, Hungary, and Luxembourg, natural gas accounts for more than half of the energy consumed by households for heating.

Household gas prices have risen significantly across Europe

Within the European Union, the price of gas paid by households has increased by more than 70% between the first half of 2021 and the first half of 2026. In France, the gas price calculated by the Energy Regulation Commission (CRE) rose by 34% between January and October, with another 6.6% increase expected on November 1.

Energy market tensions drive up gas prices

The rise in gas prices reflects the tensions that have emerged on energy markets following the outbreak of the war in Iran, which disrupted about one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows. This has contributed to higher prices, even though there is no immediate risk to the supply security of European buyers.

Low energy reserves contribute to high prices

Just weeks before the start of the withdrawal season, which traditionally begins in November, European reserves were filled only to 74% as of October 17. This is the lowest level for this time of year since at least 2011, according to data from Gas Infrastructure Europe.