Diesel prices rising: compare prices by retailer in France

Diesel prices have been rising in France since mid-July, returning to levels last seen in April when conflict in the Middle East sent prices soaring.

The average price of diesel reached €2.261 per litre on Friday, September 4.

This follows a fall earlier in the summer when diesel dropped to around €1.90 per litre in early July, after reaching a record €2.398 in April.

However, prices have been climbing since mid-July.

Where is diesel cheapest?

Prices can vary significantly between retailers.

Figures on September 4 show that Elan had the lowest average price at €2.230 per litre. Système U and E.Leclerc were close behind, both at €2.233.

TotalEnergies averaged €2.245, while Carrefour and Les Mousquetaires were at €2.248 and €2.252 respectively.

At the more expensive end, diesel averaged €2.407 at Eni and €2.643 at Shell.

That puts the gap between the lowest and highest retailer averages in the comparison at 41.3 cents per litre. Across a 50-litre tank, that difference amounts to €20.65, although the retailers may not operate in the same areas.

Prices could rise further

The increase comes as pressure builds on global oil and refining markets.

“We don't have a shortage problem, we have a price problem,” Philippe Casbas, president of Ufip Énergies et Mobilités, France’s oil and liquid-energy industry association, told Franceinfo.

He said the biggest issue was currently refining capacity. Refineries in the Gulf are unable to get their products onto the market, while some Russian refineries have been damaged by Ukrainian strikes. Planned maintenance at refineries in the US is also expected to reduce capacity further.

France’s strategic fuel stocks have not yet been fully replenished either. Mr Casbas said prices could rise further if the situation worsens, but there is currently no expectation of a fuel shortage in France.