11.7% rise in gas prices in France: Impact on purchasing power

From July 1, gas prices in France will rise by 11.7%, resulting in an average annual increase of 124 euros on household bills, right in the middle of a legislative campaign.

Share:

Prix du gaz en augmentation.

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The increase in gas prices in France, scheduled for July 1, comes at a time when debates about purchasing power are dominating the political scene. This 11.7% increase in gas prices will raise the average annual household bill from €1,060 to €1,184, according to data provided by gas network operator GRDF (Gaz Réseau Distribution France). This tariff revision, which comes despite a fall in gas prices on international markets since the start of the year, is raising questions and concerns among consumers and political players alike.

Reasons for price rises

The main reason for this increase is the revaluation of the gas transmission tariff, a cost that suppliers pass on directly to consumers. This rate, often referred to as the “network rate”, covers around a third of the total gas bill. It is essential to finance the maintenance and modernization of gas infrastructures, while enabling the gradual integration of biogas into the network. This increase is deemed necessary to ensure the reliability and sustainability of France’s gas distribution network. The Commission de Régulation de l’Energie (CRE), the sector’s regulatory authority, announced the network tariff increase and its impact on July bills back in February. However, confirmation of the increase on June 10 coincided with a busy election period, prompting strong reactions from candidates and political parties.

Political reactions and election promises

The new gas rate hike was quickly used as political leverage. The vice-president of the Rassemblement National (RN), Sébastien Chenu, has promised that, if his party were to accede to Matignon, one of its first measures would be to halt this price rise. This promise was echoed in the ranks of the New Popular Front, the left-wing coalition, which is also proposing similar measures to protect French purchasing power. However, any intervention on gas prices must comply with article L410-2 of the French Commercial Code, which allows prices to be frozen for six months only in exceptional circumstances. This restriction makes the implementation of political promises more complex than it might seem.

Economic outlook and government action

Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire sought to allay fears by announcing a planned 10-15% cut in electricity tariffs in February. This reduction is due to lower wholesale electricity prices and an exceptionally high year in 2022, which will no longer be taken into account in tariff calculations. According to Nicolas Goldberg, energy expert at Colombus Consulting, this reduction will mechanically translate into lower electricity bills for consumers. The CRE continues to play a crucial role by publishing its monthly “benchmark price” for gas, a reference enabling consumers to compare the offers available on the market. Since the disappearance of regulated tariffs in June 2023, most gas offers have been indexed to this index, and the July increase will probably be passed on in the same proportions. However, suppliers retain a certain degree of freedom in passing on this increase, creating an opportunity for consumers to play the competition. This increase in gas prices in France, although announced and explained, comes in a sensitive political context where purchasing power remains a major issue. The next few weeks will be crucial in assessing the impact of these tariff adjustments on French households and on the political dynamics underway.

Talks on the Net-Zero Framework, which seeks to regulate greenhouse gas pricing on marine fuels, have been postponed until 2026 following a majority vote initiated by Saudi Arabia.
Liberty Energy warns about the impact of import duties on drilling and power equipment, pointing to a potential obstacle to federal goals related to artificial intelligence and energy independence.
Enedis will progressively reorganise off-peak hour time slots from 1 November, impacting 14.5 million customers by 2027, under new rules set by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
A report highlights the financial burden of fossil imports during the energy crisis and points to electrification as key to European energy security.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a review of public funding for renewable energy, without changing national targets, to avoid rent-seeking effects and better regulate the use of public funds.
The 2025 edition of the Renewable Electricity System Observatory warns of the widening gap between French energy ambitions and industrial reality, requiring immediate acceleration of investments in solar, wind and associated infrastructure.
Kogi State Electricity Distribution Limited reported a ₦1.3bn ($882,011) loss due to power fraud, threatening its operational viability in Kogi State.
More than 40 developers will gather in Livingstone from 26 to 28 November to turn Southern Africa’s energy commitments into bankable and interconnected projects.
Citepa projections confirm a marked slowdown in France's climate trajectory, with emissions reductions well below targets set in the national low-carbon strategy.
The United States has threatened economic sanctions against International Maritime Organization members who approve a global carbon tax on international shipping emissions.
Global progress on electricity access slowed in 2024, with only 11 million new connections, despite targeted efforts in parts of Africa and Asia.
A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.
The US Senate has confirmed two new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, creating a Republican majority that could reshape the regulatory approach to national energy infrastructure.
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.