If they may seem obscure, fluctuations in the energy market also have something very concrete for everyone’s wallet, in France and abroad. In 2021, households are facing an increase in their electricity, gas and now fuel bills. The trend threatens to continue in the first quarter of 2022. Even to turn into an unfortunate subject for the French government, with the approach of the presidential election.
This general increase in energy prices can be explained first of all by the international context. After months of recession linked to Covid-19, the economy has picked up strongly, especially in China. Another common denominator is the increase in production costs to meet environmental standards.
“Unprecedented scale”
At the start of the school year, attention was mainly focused on regulated gas prices. Reviewed every month, they still concern just over a quarter of the 10.7 million households (heating, cooking, hot water) in France. At 1er September, the Energy Regulatory Commission announced an increase of 8.7%, after those of July, nearly 10%, and August, more than 5% – for a total increase, since 2015, of 16.7%. This trend of“An unprecedented scale” is observed “In all European and Asian countries”, explains the Energy Regulatory Commission.
A sum of 100 euros must be paid to some 6 million households to help them pay their energy bills
The independent administrative authority evokes a “Exceptional context” for this specific market. The revival of activity in Asia has led to a reduction in supply in Europe, as LNG carriers prefer to deliver their cargo of liquefied natural gas to China. At the same time, the low level of storage observed in Europe makes the Old Continent more vulnerable to “Maintenance problems”. In August, a fire in a Siberian factory affected the Yamal gas pipeline, carrying Russian gas to Germany. And what about the shutdown of wind turbines in the North Sea, for lack of wind, which forced the United Kingdom to restart its fossil power plants.
“This sudden rise in gas is likely to continue for a few more months and pose a problem of purchasing power, anticipates François Carlier, general delegate of Consumption Housing Living environment, association of consumers and users. The accumulation of fuels for the car and gas or fuel oil for heating will really be felt from November or December. “
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