Fuel prices in France dip briefly before rising again
Gas and Super 98 petrol at record prices since start of Middle East conflict
Prices may rise further due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East
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Average fuel prices in France dropped for the first time in nearly two weeks on Monday (March 23) - before climbing to new highs on Tuesday (March 24).
Diesel (gazole) fell to €2.147 per litre, down from €2.159 per litre on Monday according to fuel comparison website carbu.com with ‘Super 98’ petrol down from €2.049 per litre to €2.035.
By Tuesday however, prices had risen to €2.212 per litre for diesel and €2.071 for Super 98, marking new highs for both prices since the outbreak of the conflict at the end of February 2026.
Diesel has increased by around 40c per litre on average since the start of February 2026, with Super 98 increasing by nearly 20c per litre.
Unleaded 95-E10 petrol remained steady at €1.989 per litre on average across the two days. This is nearly 30c higher than pre-conflict prices.
No sign of sustained fuel price drop
Industry leaders in several sectors – including aviation and domestic gas – have said prices are likely to increase across the board if the conflict continues and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
The strait is responsible for around 20% of global traffic of both crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
A global release of around 400 million barrels of oil held in emergency supply earlier this month did little to affect crude oil prices, which rose back above $100 per barrel on Tuesday.
Uncertainty around the end of the war, in part due to conflicting comments from the US and Iranian administration over peace talks, means the markets are largely in the dark over how quickly normal supply may resume.
The French government continues to rule out any direct fuel aid, such as a reduction in fuel taxes or direct subsidy for drivers, arguing the state cannot increase spending and further increase its deficit.
Earlier this week, it asked domestic refineries to increase production, particularly of diesel, and offered measures to companies in the fishing and logistics sectors.
These include cash flow loans and deferral of social security contributions, but no direct intervention on fuel costs.
