After a lull this summer, the price of fuel is starting to rise again at the end of the year. We explain everything to you below!
Filling up with fuel is generally not fun. And this is particularly the case at the moment, particularly due to the very low temperatures, but not only that. Because we must also take into account the fact that prices have started to rise againunlike this summer when they were much more advantageous. And motorists are well placed to know this, because they are the ones who suffer the most.
Fuel is on the rise again
Thus, for several weeks, the trend has been clear: after a summer respite marked by a notable drop in fuel prices, they are once again experiencing a constant increase. The Ministry of Ecological Transition, which publishes weekly data on the subject, confirmed this development for the period from November 22 to 29. Among the fuels most affected, diesel shows an increase of 1.3 euro cents per liter. On average, its price now reaches 1.6543 euros per litremarking the fifth consecutive week of increase.
A dynamic which is beginning to weigh on household budgets, particularly for those who depend on diesel for their daily or professional travel. On the gasoline side, although the increases are more moderate, they remain nonetheless notable. THE SP95-E10for example, recorded an increase of 0.6 euro cents to reach 1.7185 euros per liter, continuing an upward trend for the second consecutive week. The SP95 and SP98 also saw increases of 0.36 cents and 0.54 euro cents respectively, with average prices of 1.7608 €/L and 1.8214 euros per liter.
A paradoxical situation
Interestingly, this increase in pump prices cannot be explained by a spectacular surge in crude oil prices. Last week, the barrel of Brent, an international benchmark, stood at $74.6, showing only a slight increase of 0.3 dollars compared to the previous week. This relative stability contrasts with the increase in fuel prices, raising questions about pricing mechanisms. Experts often point to intermediate factors, such as refining costs, transport costs or even taxes, which play a crucial role in setting prices at the pump. For the record, they represent around 60% of the price of a liter of fuel!
In addition, currency fluctuations, particularly the euro-dollar parity, can amplify local variations. Regardless, this persistent increase comes in an economic context that is already difficult for many French people. Transportation-related expenses represent a significant portion of family budgets, particularly in rural or peri-urban areas, where alternatives such as public transportation are limited.
Motorists are now wondering: is this upward trend temporary or a sign of a new normal? In the short term, specialists anticipate a stabilization if the price of a barrel remains contained. However, geopolitical uncertainties and environmental policies could continue to influence markets.
