France: The Government Confirms No Increase in Gas Taxes

The French government assures that no increase in gas taxes will be implemented, thereby contradicting previous statements by the Minister of Ecological Transition.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

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

7-Day Pass

Up to 50 articles accessible for 7 days, with no automatic renewal

3 $/week*

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles/month

FREE

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

Since 2021: 30,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The French government has reaffirmed its commitment not to increase gas taxes, following contradictory statements from members of its team. Maud Bregeon, government spokesperson, clearly stated that no new taxes will be applied, thereby ending the speculations raised by statements from the Minister of Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher.

This clarification comes after Ms. Pannier-Runacher mentioned the possibility of increasing gas taxes in an amendment to the finance bill. She had emphasized the need to provide coherent price signals between carbon-based and decarbonized solutions, mentioning various fiscal levers.

Contradictory Statements within the Government

Maud Bregeon spoke during an interview on BFMTV to contest the minister’s remarks, asserting that the gas tax had already doubled at the beginning of the previous year and that there would be no further increase. She also mentioned the arbitration by Prime Minister Michel Barnier on this crucial issue.

On the other hand, Agnès Pannier-Runacher had stated during a press conference that the government was considering increasing taxation on gas, as well as on other sectors such as airline tickets. These proposals were part of the measures considered through amendments within the finance bill.

Impact on Households and Businesses

The gas tax had been doubled last year as part of the removal of the tariff shield implemented in 2021 to counter the energy crisis. This measure aimed to limit the increase in consumers’ bills but was criticized for its impact on households’ purchasing power and businesses’ competitiveness.

Maud Bregeon recalled that the government’s budget project plans a controlled increase in electricity bills while ensuring a 9% reduction for 76% of households under regulated tariffs. This approach aims to balance the needs for energy transition with consumer protection.

Reactions from Political and Economic Actors

The minister’s statements have elicited mixed reactions within the government. The Minister of the Budget, Laurent Saint-Martin, expressed his disagreement with the proposal to increase gas taxes, highlighting the importance of maintaining fiscal stability to support economic recovery.

Furthermore, companies in the energy sector welcomed the announcement of no tax increases, arguing that it would allow for better financial planning and continuity of investments in energy infrastructure.

Future Perspectives and Complementary Measures

The government continues its efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions without increasing taxation on households and businesses. Among the ongoing initiatives are the increase of the automobile penalty and the removal of the reduced VAT rate on fossil energy boiler installations.

These measures are part of a broader energy transition strategy aimed at reducing the carbon footprint while supporting the national economy. The debate remains open regarding the best approaches to achieve these goals without compromising competitiveness and citizens’ well-being.

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.
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.
Kuwait plans to develop 14.05 GW of new power capacity by 2031 to meet growing demand and reduce scheduled outages, driven by extreme temperatures and maintenance delays.
The partnership with the World Bank-funded Pro Energia+ programme aims to expand electricity access in Mozambique by targeting rural communities through a results-based financing mechanism.
The European Commission strengthens ACER’s funding through a new fee structure applied to reporting entities, aimed at supporting increased surveillance of wholesale energy market transactions.
France’s Court of Auditors is urging clarity on EDF’s financing structure, as the public utility confronts a €460bn investment programme through 2040 to support its new nuclear reactor rollout.
The U.S. Department of Energy will return more than $13bn in unspent funds originally allocated to climate initiatives, in line with the Trump administration’s new budget policy.
Under pressure from Washington, the International Energy Agency reintroduces a pro-fossil scenario in its report, marking a shift in its direction amid rising tensions with the Trump administration.
Southeast Asia, facing rapid electricity consumption growth, could tap up to 20 terawatts of solar and wind potential to strengthen energy security.

All the latest energy news, all the time

8.25$/month*

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

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

7 DAY PASS

Up to 50 items can be consulted for 7 days,
without automatic renewal

3$/week*

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

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