Rising energy costs impact French industry and consumer prices

Rising energy and raw material costs are creating structural instability for French industrial manufacturers, according to the professional association INOHA. Following the conflict in Iran and a September attack on a Saudi Arabian oil pipeline, Brent crude prices rose to between $100 and $105 per barrel.

INOHA reports that these price surges are threatening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in the housing and construction sectors. Significant increases have been noted in European natural gas (+61%), petrochemical derivatives like PVC (+32%), and professional diesel (+25%).

In response to broader inflationary pressures and rising fuel costs in France, some retailers like Lidl are implementing anti-waste initiatives. These include selling near-expiry meat, fish, and produce at significantly reduced prices, such as €0.50 for meat trays or €1 for fruit and vegetable crates. A portion of these sales is donated to the charity Restos du Cœur.