Fuel consumption declines in France with sharp drop in diesel

Deliveries of energy petroleum products fell by 4.5% in November, driven down by a sharp decline in diesel, while jet fuel continues its growth beyond pre-pandemic levels.

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France’s consumption of energy petroleum products decreased by 4.5% in November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to data published by the Comité Professionnel du Pétrole (CPDP). Total deliveries amounted to 4.095 million tonnes. This decline is mainly due to a significant drop in domestic diesel demand.

Diesel falls 7% year-on-year

Deliveries of road fuels reached 3.542 million cubic metres in November, representing a 4.9% decrease compared to November 2024. This drop was largely driven by a 7% fall in diesel deliveries, which totalled 2.407 million cubic metres. In contrast, unleaded petrol deliveries remained stable at 1.135 million cubic metres, up 0.1%.

Diesel accounted for 67.9% of total road fuel consumption in November 2025, down from 69.5% a year earlier. Over a twelve-month period, total road fuel deliveries declined by 0.9%, reaching 47.326 million cubic metres.

Jet fuel maintains upward momentum

Jet fuel deliveries posted a notable 8.7% increase in November 2025 compared to November 2024, reaching 0.661 million cubic metres. They exceeded November 2019 pre-pandemic levels by 4.2%, indicating a full recovery in aviation fuel demand.

At the same time, non-road diesel deliveries dropped significantly by 21.3%, standing at 0.363 million cubic metres. Conversely, domestic heating oil deliveries rose by 10.1%, amounting to 0.280 million cubic metres.

Annual trend confirms broad decline

Over the twelve-month period from December 2024 to November 2025, deliveries of energy petroleum products totalled 55.250 million tonnes, down 1% compared to the previous period. The drop in demand primarily affected road and non-road uses, amid an ongoing shift in the national energy mix.

The contrasting trends among various petroleum products reflect sector-specific energy needs. Jet fuel continues to drive demand upwards, while diesel, historically dominant, sees its share steadily decline in the French market.

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