French diesel prices hit record 2.41 euros per litre as fuel costs climb

Record diesel averages across French stations

The average price of diesel in France reached 2.4097 euros per litre at 10:30 on Sunday, 20 September 2026. This calculation was based on public pricing data from more than 8,700 filling stations reporting to the Ministry of the Economy portal, Prix-carburants.gouv.fr. Sunday's figure established a new peak for the country, exceeding the average of 2.39 euros per litre recorded on Friday, 18 September 2026. Friday's figure had already broken the previous French diesel record of 2.38 euros per litre set in April 2026. The price distribution across France shows wide local variations, with nearly 700 service stations selling diesel at more than 2.50 euros per litre, 70 stations pricing it above 2.70 euros per litre, and select locations approaching 3.00 euros per litre.

Gasoline benchmarks surpass previous years

Prices for petrol products have also climbed well above their previous historical markers. SP95-E10, which remains the highest-volume automotive fuel sold in France, recorded an average of more than 2.17 euros per litre on Sunday morning across a sample of over 6,700 service stations. This followed average prices of 2.15 euros per litre on Friday and Saturday, after moving past 2.16 euros per litre on Thursday. For more than ten consecutive days, SP95-E10 has traded above its previous record of 2.11 euros per litre, which was recorded on 14 June 2022 during disruptions linked to the war in Ukraine. In the premium petrol category, SP98 reached an average exceeding 2.28 euros per litre on Sunday across more than 6,800 reporting stations.

Supply disruptions and data methodology

The sustained upward movement in pump prices began in late February 2026, driven by fuel supply disruptions stemming from the war in Iran. The national averages compiled by AFP rely on public pricing figures from the official government database, which does not require mandatory daily tariff refreshes from every retailer. For the statistical calculation, AFP included stations that had updated their listed pump prices within the previous 31 days. This data window was lengthened for retail networks operating under voluntary price ceilings, such as service stations managed by TotalEnergies. These figures reflect broad increases across national distribution networks as geopolitical events disrupt international crude and refined fuel flows.

Protests and pending government response

Escalating fuel costs have led to immediate social tension and public demonstrations across France. On Thursday, Mediterranean fishermen staged blockades at regional oil depots to protest the impact of surging fuel expenses on their operations. Additional demonstrations occurred in multiple cities on Saturday against rising pump prices and the broader cost of living. In response, the French government stated on Saturday that it will make formal announcements in the coming days. Ministers are scheduled to meet on Monday to evaluate new aid mechanisms or extend existing relief packages, including potential adjustments to the monthly 100 euro "grands rouleurs" allowance for daily commuters, while continuing to dismiss opposition demands for direct reductions in fuel taxation.