Energy Bills Drop, But Hidden Costs Rise in France

French households will finally see a small break on their utility bills this February — but financial relief may be short-lived. While gas and electricity prices are set to dip, new hikes in bank fees, motorway tolls, and even regulated savings rates mean the cost of living remains under pressure.

A Welcome Drop in Energy Prices

After months of inflationary strain, good news is arriving on the energy front. The Commission de Régulation de l’Énergie (CRE) announced a small but positive adjustment:

Electricity tariffs will decrease by 0.83% as of 1 February 2026, saving the average household around €9–12 per year.
Gas prices will fall by approximately 1.5%, pushing the heating rate below €0.10 per kWh — the lowest level since early 2024.

Economy Minister Roland Lescure called it “a modest but welcome relief for millions of households.”

But Bank Fees Are Climbing

Unfortunately, banks are moving in the opposite direction. A CLCV consumer group report shows fees are rising across nearly all services:

Average increase: +3%
Account maintenance fees: up 6.39%, averaging €24.64 per year
Card and withdrawal fees: also rising slightly, depending on the institution

For many customers, this means any savings made on energy costs could be swallowed by higher banking expenses.

Toll Charges Set to Rise Again

Motorists will also face new costs. From February, motorway tolls will climb by 0.86% on average, marking the smallest increase since 2021.

The Transport Ministry stresses this adjustment remains below the 0.9% inflation rate (excluding tobacco), but frequent drivers are unlikely to notice much difference at the toll plaza.

Savings Rates Adjust to Lower Inflation

The government’s regulated savings accounts aren’t spared either. With inflation cooling, interest rates are being revised downward:

Livret A: dropping from 1.7% to 1.5%
LEP (Livret d’Épargne Populaire): reduced from 2.7% to 2.5%

Although the returns still sit above current inflation, the lower rates will slightly reduce household interest income. Economy officials insist the change “reflects economic stability,” but savers may see it as another hit to their purchasing power.

The Bigger Picture: Mixed Signals for 2026

On paper, lower energy prices signal progress, but the reality is more nuanced. Despite declining fuel and heating costs, rising service fees in banking, insurance, and transport continue to eat into budgets.

In short, the year ahead offers a mild breather rather than a breakthrough for household finances. Consumers in France should still plan carefully and compare offers — whether it’s switching banks, reviewing insurance, or seeking better energy deals.

Quick Recap

Electricity down 0.83%, gas down 1.5%
Bank fees up 3% overall
Toll rates rising 0.86%
Savings rates (Livret A, LEP) revised downward
Inflation easing, but real purchasing power remains tight

Final Thought

Even as inflation cools, the cost-of-living battle isn’t over. Energy savings may lighten bills, but hidden increases elsewhere remind us that financial vigilance is now more essential than ever.