French Gas Bills to Soar by 6.3% for Six Million Households

Millions of households in France will see their gas bills rise again from October 1 as the monthly reference gas price increases by 6.3%. The increase will affect around six million households, or approximately 60% of residential gas subscribers, whose contracts are indexed to the Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE)'s reference price.

The CRE's reference price acts as a benchmark to help consumers compare gas offers and is used by suppliers to set their prices. The increase follows a 5.6% rise in September and is part of a longer-term trend linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global fuel supplies.

The reference gas price has been rising significantly since April after the US and Israel's war against Iran led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disrupted oil and gas shipments from the Middle East. The reference price jumped from €152.86/MWh in June to €172.05/MWh in September and €182.88/MWh in October - an increase of almost 20%.