Easter holidaymakers were treated to a good surprise this year: fuel prices have clearly dropped. This decrease arrives at a time when traveling by car multiply, thus offering a welcome respite to motorists who often complain that their budget is manhandled by the cost of fuel.
Recent development of prices at the pump
In recent weeks, there has been a visible drop in pump prices. THE SP95-E10which cost near 1,73 euro The liter saw its price back down. Dasus has slipped; He had crossed the bar of 1,63 euro and now sells on average to 1,57 euro – or a decrease in 5.5 cents Since the end of March. As for the Super SP95, it is now at 1,68 eurorecording a decrease in 4.9 cents per liter.
This downward trend is mainly explained by the fall in oil prices, illustrating the fluctuations in the oil markets.
Economic factors and role of OPEC+
The recent drop in oil prices stems from a set of fairly complicated economic factors. Trade tensions between the United States and other major powers play a significant role in the situation. In addition, the forecasts of a slowdown in the world economy worry producers, who fear excess supply compared to demand.
With this in mind, OPEC+ announced that it would increase its production from May, with 300,000 additional barrels per day. Olivier Gantois explains that “the oil markets react very quickly, anticipating each ad or change” (RMC), which means that even a small signal can move the prices immediately.
Direct effect on consumers
For those who refuel in France, this drop is a real puff of oxygen. Holidays often involve long journeys, and the cost of fuel represents a significant part of the costs for many. Michel-Edouard Leclerc is optimistic by evoking the possibility that a “price 1,50 euro The liter ”materializes in the coming days (BFMTV).
Competition between distributors also plays a decisive role in the speed of these price adjustments. As Olivier Gantois reminds us: “Competition between distributors is fierce. If one of them can afford to lower prices, he does, and the others soon follow. »»
