French motorists can expect further fuel price rises from 2026. The energy transition is adding to the bill. Between additional taxes and European regulations, the price of petrol could exceed levels already considered high by the public. Some experts suggest that anticipating the switch to electric vehicles could limit the additional costs for drivers on a day-to-day basis.
An inevitable increase from January 2026
From 1 January 2026, prices at the pump will rise by between four and six centimes per litre. This increase is the result of a tax on energy saving certificates. Fuel and gas suppliers will be affected. Francis Pousse, President of service stations at Mobiliance, told RMC Story: « We’re not affecting our margins. The tax is paid upstream. The average price of SP98 is currently stable at €1.821/l, while diesel is at €1.712/l, despite the slight increase announced.
Motorists under pressure
For many people, the ever-increasing cost of energy is a real burden. French people are seeing their spending curtailed, while fuel prices remain high overall in relation to average incomes. The distributors remain clear: the increase does not benefit the service stations. Margins remain fixed and the additional cost is passed on in full. So it is directly the owners of combustion-powered vehicles who are helping to finance the ecological transition.
A tax to finance electric mobility
Energy saving certificates will now be used to finance the purchase of electric vehicles, in line with the polluter pays principle. This sixth period will see contributions increase from 3 cents in 2019 to a total of 15 cents from January 2026. The Cour des Comptes has criticised this diversion, which was initially intended for the energy renovation of buildings. The financing of electric cars is a consequence of this. The ecological bonus will be maintained and could reach €5,700 in 2026, to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles.
ETS2 and rising fuel prices in 2027
In 2027, Europe will extend its ETS2 carbon quota system to road transport and fuels, including E85. If suppliers pass on all the costs, a litre could rise by up to 17 centimes excluding tax, or around €8 for a standard tank of petrol. These regulations apply to all Member States, but the increases will vary from country to country. Spain could see faster adjustments, while France could see its price rise more quickly, accentuating the interest in recharging across the border.
What impact will this have on motorists?
For a motorist consuming 6.5 litres per 100 km and driving 25,000 km a year, the extra cost could be around €200 a year, or just under €17 a month. Admittedly, this is not dramatic financially, but the increase remains symbolically heavy, especially in an already tense context for purchasing power. It remains unclear exactly how prices will change, depending on the allowances purchased and their actual cost. The experts recommend that you start thinking about electric cars now, especially for those without regular recharging facilities, in order to anticipate future price rises.
Energy transition: between constraints and opportunities
The transition to electric vehicles is not just environmentally friendly: it could represent real savings in the long term. However, take-up is still being held back by the lack of charging infrastructure in buildings and by the initial cost of electric cars. Additional support and practical assistance are needed to make electric cars accessible on a daily basis, while limiting dependence on fossil fuels.
Conclusion: anticipate to better manage rises
The 2026 increases and the 2027 European regulations are forcing motorists to rethink their mobility. Switching to electric vehicles could limit future additional costs, while contributing to the energy transition and reducing CO2 emissions. Even if the initial investment may seem high, making the switch now can represent a significant financial and ecological gain in the medium term.
