Fuel and Medical Consultation Prices Rise from January 1st: What You Need to Know

Fuel and Doctor Visits Will Cost More from the 1st January 2026

As 2026 begins, drivers and patients in France will feel a little extra pressure on their wallets. Starting on the 1st January 2026, fuel prices are rising due to changes in France’s energy policy, while medical consultation fees are being revalued across several specialties.

These developments, though modest individually, combine to create a notable increase in household costs just as French families settle into the new year.

Fuel Price Hike: The CEE Effect Explained

From January 1, both petrol and diesel prices will rise by 4 to 6 centimes per litre. The increase isn’t due to oil market volatility but rather to the government’s adjustment of the Certificats d’Économies d’Énergie (CEE) — the Energy Savings Certificates scheme designed to promote energy efficiency.

Fuel suppliers are legally required to fund these environmental measures, and they pass part of this cost through to consumers at the pump.

Here’s the breakdown:

CEE investment increase: from €6 billion to €8 billion per year
Cost impact on fuel: up from roughly 11 cents to 15–17 cents per litre
Average impact per refuel: €2 to €3 more for a 50‑litre tank

According to Olivier Gantois, president of UFIP Énergies et Mobilités, this change is “unavoidable” if France is to meet its 2030 efficiency targets.

For an average motorist driving 15,000 km a year, the rise means paying around €36 to €54 more annually on fuel alone.

Medical Consultation Fees: A Long‑Awaited Adjustment

Alongside the fuel increase, medical consultation prices in France will finally be revalued after being postponed for months. The initial schedule (July 2025) was pushed back to January 1, 2026 to give the Assurance Maladie time to finalize budget adjustments.

This marks a significant update in how healthcare professionals are reimbursed — part of a broader strategy to attract and retain medical talent while providing fairer compensation.

Notable changes include:

Pediatric check‑ups (up to age 2): from €45 → €50
Child psychiatry consultations: from €12 → €18 (majoration)
Neurologist visits: from €50 → €52
Dermatologist check‑ups: from €56 → €60
Elderly patients (80+): new €60 extended annual consultation, including post‑hospitalization care

This revaluation stems from the June 2024 national agreement between doctors’ unions and the French government, aiming to modernize reimbursement rates after years of stagnation.

The Bigger Picture: Everyday Costs on the Rise

These adjustments, coming right at the start of 2026, highlight the reality of France’s evolving cost of living. While inflation has eased in food and housing sectors, energy and health remain two areas showing upward pressure.

Practical tips for residents:

Monitor fuel prices using apps like Essence & Co or Fuel Flash for real‑time comparisons.
Review your mutuelle plan to ensure strong reimbursement on the new consultation rates.
Group errands or consider carpooling to offset rising fuel expenses.
Keep records of annual medical costs for better tax and insurance optimization.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Why are fuel prices increasing in France in 2026?
The increase stems from the government’s expansion of the Energy Savings Certificates (CEE) program — an initiative that funds energy efficiency projects. Fuel providers finance these programs and pass part of the cost to consumers.

2. How much more will the average driver pay?
With a 4–6 cent hike per litre, a driver covering 15,000 km per year will spend roughly €36–€54 more annually, depending on vehicle efficiency and fuel type.

3. Which medical specialists are affected by the price increase?
Pediatricians, psychiatrists, neurologists, and dermatologists will see new consultation tariffs, along with special provisions for doctors treating patients over 80 years old.

4. Will general practitioners (GPs) also raise their prices?
For now, GP consultation rates remain the same, but future negotiations between the Assurance Maladie and medical unions may revisit GP tariffs later in 2026.

5. How can I minimize the financial impact?
Track local fuel prices, adapt travel habits, and review your health insurance plan to ensure full coverage under the updated medical billing structure.

Key takeaway:
Both changes — in fuel taxation and medical fees — reflect France’s ongoing economic and social adjustments. While not dramatic, they’ll still be felt in everyday budgets, especially for families and retirees living on fixed incomes. Staying informed and planning accordingly will make all the difference.