By Lucie Deschamps
Published on
January 13, 2025
The Gas Sales Benchmark Price naturel (PRVG) for the month of February 2025 was published by the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE). This tariff, intended for residential customers, serves as a monthly reference for evaluating commercial offers from gas suppliers. This report presents the latest figures, the developments observed, as well as an in-depth analysis of the factors having an impact on these price variations. Here’s everything you need to know to understand this update and what it means for consumers.
Do you want to save energy?
Our experts advise you for free!
The benchmark gas price for February 2025
The PRVG for February 2025 given by the CRE is as follows:
| Category | Cooking/Hot Water | Heating |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription including tax (€/year) | 114,30 | 277,43 |
| Average price including tax (€/year) | 0,14775 | 0,11877 |
| Low price range including tax (€/year) | 0,14402 | 0,10992 |
| Price upper range including tax (e/year) | 0,15582 | 0,13675 |
For all consumers, this price scale translates, according to current consumption estimates, into an average benchmark price of 103,05 €/MWh HTeither 145,33 €/MWh TTC.
Evolution of the gas sales price in December 2024, January and February 2025
Every month a new benchmark gas sales price (PRVG) is established by the CRE then published on its website, and serves as a reference index for the pricing of gas suppliers.
For the last quarter, the benchmark gas sales price evolved as follows:
- December 1, 2024: €138.95 including tax
- January 1, 2025: €144.09 including tax
- February 1, 2025: €145.35 including tax
In February, the benchmark sales price saw a further slight increase reaching the 145,35 €/MWh including tax for all consumers combined, an increase of 0,87% or from 1,26 € compared to January, the benchmark sales price of which was 144,09€ /MWh TTC.
-A gradual but constant increase
These figures reflect a regular increase in prices since December 2024. In two months, the average benchmark price has increased by €6.05/MWh including tax, an increase of more than 4%. This trend could continue in the coming months if current factors persist.
Below is the evolution of the benchmark gas sales price:
The evolution of the gas benchmark price
Evolution of the average gas benchmark price in euros. Source: CRE.
Composition of the gas benchmark price
The PRVG is calculated from three main components, revised monthly to reflect the realities of the energy market:
- Supply costs : Fluctuations in gas prices on wholesale markets play a determining role. In winter, higher demand, combined with sometimes tight supply, can cause significant increases.
- Transportation costs : They include the costs of transporting and distributing gas to end consumers. These costs can be influenced by structural elements such as infrastructure maintenance and regular investments.
- Business costs : These costs include expenses related to customer management, billing and marketing of offers.
These three components are impacted by economic conditions, national and international energy policies, as well as technological developments.
Analysis of factors influencing gas prices
Several factors play an essential role in the monthly evolution of gas prices. Here are the main elements to take into account:
- Increased seasonal demand : In winter, gas consumption for heating reaches peaks. This puts upward pressure on prices, especially when weather conditions are more severe than expected.
- Stock levels in Europe : Gas reserves play a crucial role in stabilizing prices. When stocks are low, as can happen at the end of winter, prices tend to increase to compensate for this limited supply.
- Geopolitical context : International tensions, particularly in gas-producing countries, can have an immediate impact on supply costs. For example, disruptions in Russian or Norwegian exports can directly affect prices in Europe.
- Environmental energy policies: Initiatives aimed at encouraging renewable energy or reducing greenhouse gas emissions indirectly influence natural gas prices. Additionally, taxes and subsidies imposed by governments play a role in changing costs for end consumers.
Consequences for consumers
For households, these price increases mean a potential increase in energy bills. However, several strategies can be put in place to limit their impact:
- Reduce your consumption : Adapting the heating temperature and properly insulating your home can help reduce energy needs.
- Compare offers : The PRVG is an excellent indicator to assess whether your supplier offers competitive prices.
- Opt for alternative energies : Solutions such as heat pumps or solar panels can in the long term reduce your dependence on gas.
Outlook for the coming months
The coming months could see a stabilization of prices, particularly with the end of winter. However, several unknowns remain, particularly with regard to storage levels and the evolution of geopolitical tensions. Consumers are encouraged to regularly follow CRE publications to stay informed of changes.
