2024 Fuel Consumption Guide: France
France’s 2024 fuel landscape reveals a continuing downward trend in road transport fuel consumption, decreasing by 0.4% compared to 2023, as reported by CPDP data through August.
I. Overview of French Fuel Consumption (2024)
French fuel consumption in 2024 is characterized by a notable decline, particularly within the road transport sector. Data from the CPDP (Comité Professionnel du Pétrole) indicates a continuing trend observed throughout the year, with a 0.4% decrease in road fuel consumption compared to the same period in 2023, as of August 2024. This suggests a potential shift away from traditional fuel reliance, though determining if this is a sustainable, long-term inversion of trends or merely a temporary effect requires further analysis.
Diesel (gazole) remains a dominant fuel source, with France consuming approximately 10 liters per second, equating to an annual consumption of around 32.9 million tonnes. However, even this significant consumption level is experiencing a reduction. Looking back to pre-pandemic levels (2019), road fuel deliveries have decreased by 5.1%, highlighting a structural change in consumption patterns. Furthermore, deliveries in 2025 are projected to slightly decrease by 0.6% compared to 2024, reaching 47.5 million cubic meters.
Kilometrage reduction between 2022 and 2023 played a role, with a significant 2.5% decrease observed. While fuel prices are often correlated with consumption, this factor alone doesn’t fully explain the current trend.
II. Key Trends in 2023-2024
The period of 2023-2024 has been marked by a discernible shift in French fuel consumption patterns, primarily driven by a reduction in road transport fuel demand. Initial observations suggested a potential reversal of long-standing trends, but ongoing analysis indicates a more nuanced situation influenced by multiple factors. Data from the CPDP consistently points to a decrease, with a 0.4% drop in road fuel consumption by late August 2024 compared to the previous year.
A significant trend is the continued, albeit declining, dominance of diesel (gazole). Despite consuming approximately 32.9 million tonnes annually (around 10 liters per second), diesel’s share is gradually diminishing. Comparing 2024 to pre-pandemic levels (2019), road fuel deliveries have fallen by 5.1%, indicating a structural change beyond temporary fluctuations. Projections for 2025 suggest a further, albeit slight, decrease of 0.6% in deliveries.

Reduced kilometrage between 2022 and 2023, with a 2.5% decline, has contributed to this trend. However, the correlation between fuel prices and consumption isn’t straightforward, suggesting other influences are at play, potentially including evolving mobility habits and increased efficiency.
III. Decline in Road Transport Fuel Consumption
The observed decline in road transport fuel consumption in France during 2023 and continuing into 2024 represents a noteworthy shift in the nation’s energy profile. Data from the CPDP reveals a consistent downward trajectory, with a 0.4% decrease recorded through August 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023; This isn’t simply a short-term fluctuation; comparisons to pre-pandemic levels (2019) demonstrate a more substantial reduction of 5.1% in road fuel deliveries.
Several factors contribute to this trend. A significant reduction in overall kilometrage traveled between 2022 and 2023 – a decrease of 2.5% – plays a key role. While fuel prices are often correlated with consumption, this relationship doesn’t fully explain the current trend, suggesting broader behavioral changes are occurring. The slight projected decrease of 0.6% in deliveries for 2025 further reinforces this pattern.
This decline signals a potential structural change in transportation habits, possibly driven by increased remote work, adoption of alternative transportation methods, and improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency. Further investigation is needed to determine if this represents a sustainable, long-term trend.
IV. National Fuel Consumption Statistics
France’s national fuel consumption is characterized by a substantial reliance on diesel (gazole), with the nation consuming approximately 10 liters of diesel fuel per second. This translates to an annual consumption of around 32.9 million tonnes, highlighting the significant role diesel plays in powering the country’s economy, particularly its transportation sector.
Recent data indicates a continuing decline in overall fuel consumption. Through August 2024, road transport fuel consumption was down 0.4% compared to the same period in 2023, according to CPDP figures. Looking back to pre-pandemic levels (2019), road fuel deliveries have decreased by 5.1%, demonstrating a more pronounced long-term trend.
Deliveries for 2025 are projected to continue this downward trajectory, with an anticipated decrease of 0.6% compared to 2024, totaling 47.5 million cubic meters. These statistics underscore the evolving energy landscape in France and the growing need for sustainable alternatives.
V. Diesel (Gazole) Consumption in France
Diesel, known as ‘gazole’ in France, remains the dominant fuel source, underpinning a significant portion of the nation’s energy needs. The country’s average diesel consumption is remarkably high, reaching approximately 10 liters every second, culminating in an annual demand of roughly 32.9 million tonnes. This substantial figure reflects the historical reliance on diesel within the road transport sector and other industries.
However, recent trends suggest a shift, albeit a gradual one. While still dominant, diesel consumption is experiencing a decline. Data from the CPDP reveals a 0.4% decrease in road transport fuel consumption through August 2024 compared to the previous year. This decrease, coupled with a 5.1% reduction in road fuel deliveries since 2019, indicates a potential turning point.
The factors driving this decline are complex, involving reduced kilometrage and, to a lesser extent, fluctuating fuel prices. Further analysis is needed to determine if this represents a sustainable trend or a temporary fluctuation.
VI. Consumption Rates & Volume

France’s overall fuel consumption demonstrates notable shifts in recent years. Road fuel deliveries in 2025 experienced a slight decrease, falling by 0.6% compared to 2024, registering a volume of 47.5 million cubic meters. This continues a longer-term trend, with deliveries down 5.1% when contrasted with pre-pandemic levels in 2019, as reported by the CPDP.
Specifically, diesel (gazole) maintains a leading position in consumption rates. The nation consumes around 10 liters of diesel per second, translating to an annual total of approximately 32.9 million tonnes. This high volume underscores the continued importance of diesel fuel for various sectors, particularly road transportation.

However, a noteworthy trend emerged between 2022 and 2023, with a significant 2.5% reduction in overall kilometrage. Despite this, the correlation between fuel prices and consumption isn’t straightforward, as diesel prices have fluctuated without directly mirroring the consumption decline.
VII. Average Diesel Consumption: 10 Liters Per Second
The figure of 10 liters of diesel (gazole) consumed per second in France represents a substantial and consistent demand for this fuel type. This equates to a massive annual consumption of roughly 32.9 million tonnes, highlighting diesel’s pivotal role in powering the nation’s economy and transportation networks. This high level of demand is intrinsically linked to the significant proportion of vehicles and industries reliant on diesel fuel.
Understanding this rate requires acknowledging the historical context. While recent data indicates a slight decrease in overall fuel consumption, diesel remains dominant. The 2.5% reduction in kilometrage observed between 2022 and 2023 suggests shifts in travel patterns, but hasn’t drastically altered the fundamental demand for diesel.

Furthermore, despite fluctuations in diesel prices, the 10 liters per second average demonstrates a relatively stable consumption pattern, indicating a deeply ingrained reliance on diesel across various sectors, including road transport, agriculture, and industry.

VII. Annual Diesel Consumption: 32.9 Million Tonnes
The staggering figure of 32.9 million tonnes of diesel (gazole) consumed annually in France underscores the nation’s significant energy demands and its continued reliance on fossil fuels. This substantial volume positions France as a major consumer within Europe, reflecting the extensive use of diesel across diverse sectors, most notably road transport. This consumption level is a key indicator when assessing France’s energy policy and its progress towards sustainability goals.
Considering recent trends, while overall fuel consumption has experienced a slight decline, the 32.9 million tonne figure represents a baseline for comparison. The observed 0.4% decrease in road fuel consumption as of August 2024, compared to 2023, hasn’t yet significantly impacted this overall annual tonnage.
Moreover, the correlation between fuel prices and consumption doesn’t fully explain this sustained demand. Despite price fluctuations, the consistent need for diesel in crucial industries maintains a high level of annual consumption, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to alternative fuel sources.

IX. Factors Influencing Fuel Consumption
Several interconnected factors are currently shaping fuel consumption patterns in France, extending beyond simple price volatility. A significant contributor is the observed reduction in kilometrage driven between 2022 and 2023, registering a notable decrease of 2.5%. This shift suggests evolving mobility habits, potentially influenced by remote work adoption and increased public transport usage.
However, the relationship between fuel prices and consumption isn’t straightforward. While price increases typically correlate with decreased demand, this connection hasn’t fully materialized in recent trends, indicating other forces are at play. Economic conditions, industrial activity, and government policies all exert influence.
Furthermore, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to reshape consumption patterns. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, road fuel deliveries have declined by 5.1%, demonstrating a lasting impact on travel behavior and potentially signaling a structural shift in demand. These factors collectively contribute to the complex dynamics of fuel consumption in France.
X. Impact of Kilometrage Reduction (2022-2023)
The substantial 2.5% decrease in kilometrage driven between 2022 and 2023 represents a key factor in explaining the observed decline in French fuel consumption. This reduction isn’t solely attributable to economic downturns or fuel price fluctuations, suggesting a more fundamental shift in travel patterns.
Several potential drivers underpin this trend. The increasing prevalence of remote work arrangements, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has demonstrably reduced commuting distances for a significant portion of the workforce. Simultaneously, a growing emphasis on sustainable transportation options, including public transit and cycling, contributes to lower vehicle usage.
Moreover, evolving consumer preferences and lifestyle changes may also play a role; Increased awareness of environmental concerns and a desire for reduced transportation costs could be incentivizing individuals to consolidate trips and explore alternative modes of travel. This kilometrage reduction, therefore, signals a complex interplay of societal and economic forces impacting fuel demand.
XI. Correlation Between Fuel Prices and Consumption
While intuitively, one might expect a strong inverse correlation between fuel prices and consumption, the French experience in 2023 and 2024 presents a nuanced picture. Despite fluctuations in diesel prices – with averages increasing during the period – the overall decline in fuel consumption hasn’t been fully explained by price sensitivity alone.
This suggests that other factors are exerting a more significant influence on demand. The observed reduction in kilometrage driven, coupled with shifts towards more fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative transportation modes, appear to be mitigating the impact of price increases. Consumers are demonstrating a degree of resilience, adapting their behavior rather than simply reducing travel proportionally to price hikes.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that price does still play a role, particularly for price-sensitive segments of the population. The correlation isn’t absent, but it’s demonstrably weaker than previously assumed, indicating a more complex relationship between price and consumption patterns in the current French context.
XII. Road Fuel Deliveries: A Comparative Analysis
A detailed examination of road fuel deliveries in France reveals a consistent downward trajectory, particularly when contrasted with pre-pandemic levels. Data from the Comité Professionnel du Pétrole (CPDP) indicates a 5.1% reduction in deliveries compared to 2019, the year before the widespread disruption caused by COVID-19.
This decline isn’t solely attributable to the pandemic’s initial impact; it represents a sustained shift in consumption patterns; Comparing 2024 to 2025, preliminary figures suggest a further decrease, with deliveries falling by 0.6% to 47.5 million cubic meters. This continued reduction underscores the ongoing structural changes within the French transportation sector.
The analysis highlights a clear divergence from historical trends, indicating that factors beyond short-term economic fluctuations are at play. These include increased adoption of alternative fuels, improvements in vehicle efficiency, and evolving mobility habits, all contributing to a reshaping of the French fuel delivery landscape.
XIII. Fuel Deliveries: 2024 vs. 2025
A direct comparison of fuel deliveries between 2024 and 2025 reveals a continuation of the declining trend observed in recent years. Preliminary data indicates that total road fuel deliveries in 2025 experienced a slight decrease of 0.6% when measured against the figures from the previous year, 2024.
Specifically, 2025 saw deliveries totaling 47.5 million cubic meters, a modest reduction from the volume recorded in 2024. While seemingly small, this decrease reinforces the broader pattern of diminishing fuel demand within the French transportation sector. This trend isn’t isolated; it aligns with a longer-term reduction in fuel consumption.
This subtle decline suggests that the factors driving reduced fuel use – such as increased vehicle efficiency, a shift towards alternative fuels, and changes in commuting patterns – are maintaining their influence. Further analysis is needed to determine if this rate of decline will continue or if stabilizing factors will emerge in subsequent years.
XIV. Decline in Road Fuel Deliveries (2019-2024)
Examining road fuel deliveries from 2019 to 2024 reveals a significant and consistent downward trajectory in French fuel consumption. Data from the Comité Professionnel du Pétrole (CPDP) demonstrates a cumulative decrease of 5.1% in deliveries over this five-year period. This decline marks a substantial shift from pre-pandemic levels, indicating more than just a temporary fluctuation.
The year 2019 serves as a crucial benchmark, representing fuel consumption patterns before the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent years witnessed a complex interplay of factors influencing demand, including pandemic-related lockdowns, economic shifts, and evolving consumer behavior;
This sustained reduction in deliveries suggests a fundamental change in the French transportation landscape. Factors contributing to this trend include increased adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles, a growing interest in alternative transportation methods, and potentially, a long-term reduction in overall travel distances. Further investigation is needed to fully understand the drivers behind this notable decline.
XV. Data Sources & Reporting Agencies
Accurate and reliable data are paramount for understanding France’s fuel consumption trends. The primary source of information for this guide is the Comité Professionnel du Pétrole (CPDP), a professional committee for the petroleum industry in France. CPDP publishes monthly bulletins providing detailed statistics on fuel consumption and deliveries across various sectors.
The CPDP data encompasses a wide range of metrics, including total fuel consumption volumes, breakdowns by fuel type (diesel, gasoline, etc.), and sector-specific consumption patterns. These bulletins are essential resources for analysts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking to monitor and interpret fuel market dynamics.
Beyond the CPDP, other organizations contribute to the broader understanding of energy consumption in France, such as euro-énergie, a portal covering all energy types. However, the CPDP remains the most comprehensive and frequently updated source for detailed fuel-specific data. Utilizing these sources ensures the accuracy and validity of the insights presented in this 2024 fuel consumption guide.
XVI. CPDP (Comité Professionnel du Pétrole) Data
The CPDP’s monthly bulletins are the cornerstone of fuel consumption analysis in France. As of August 2024, their data indicates a continuing decline in road transport fuel consumption, registering a 0.4% decrease compared to the same period in 2023. This trend suggests a potential shift in long-term consumption patterns, though further investigation is needed to confirm its sustainability.
Furthermore, CPDP data reveals a significant reduction in road fuel deliveries between 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2024, amounting to a 5.1% decrease. This decline is observed even as of 2025, with deliveries decreasing by 0.6% compared to 2024, totaling 47.5 million cubic meters. These figures highlight a consistent downward trajectory in fuel demand.
The CPDP’s comprehensive reporting allows for detailed analysis of these trends, providing valuable insights into the factors influencing fuel consumption in France. Their data serves as a crucial benchmark for assessing the impact of economic conditions, policy changes, and evolving consumer behavior on the French fuel market.
XVII. Analysis of Consumption Trends
A comprehensive analysis of recent data reveals a notable decline in French fuel consumption, particularly within the road transport sector. The 0.4% decrease in fuel consumption through August 2024, as reported by the CPDP, compared to 2023, warrants careful examination. This reduction, coupled with a 5.1% drop in road fuel deliveries since 2019, suggests a potentially significant shift in consumption patterns.
However, determining whether this decline represents a sustainable trend or merely a temporary fluctuation due to specific circumstances remains a key question. While a 2.5% reduction in kilometrage between 2022 and 2023 contributes to this trend, the correlation with fuel prices isn’t straightforward, as diesel prices have fluctuated.
Further investigation is needed to understand the interplay of factors driving these changes, including evolving mobility habits, increased adoption of alternative fuels, and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing these trends is crucial for informed policy-making and future energy planning.

XVIII. Is the Decline a Sustainable Trend?
The question of sustainability regarding the observed decline in French fuel consumption is complex. While data through August 2024 indicates a 0.4% decrease in road fuel consumption compared to 2023, and a more substantial 5.1% drop in deliveries since pre-pandemic 2019, attributing this to a long-term shift requires nuanced consideration.
The 2.5% reduction in kilometrage between 2022 and 2023 certainly plays a role, suggesting altered travel patterns. However, the influence of fuel prices is less definitive, as price fluctuations haven’t consistently mirrored consumption changes. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to reverberate, creating a distorted baseline for comparison.
Ultimately, determining sustainability necessitates monitoring future trends, analyzing policy impacts, and assessing the adoption rate of alternative transportation methods and fuels. A sustained decline would require consistent reductions in kilometrage, a shift towards more fuel-efficient vehicles, and broader systemic changes within the transport sector.
XIX. Sector-Specific Fuel Consumption
Analyzing fuel consumption across different sectors reveals a clear dominance of road transport in France’s overall energy demand. The sector consistently represents the largest portion of national fuel usage, with annual diesel consumption reaching approximately 32.9 million tonnes, equating to roughly 10 liters of gazole consumed per second nationwide.
While specific breakdowns for other sectors – such as aviation, maritime transport, and industry – require further detailed data, the road transport sector’s substantial contribution is undeniable. This reliance on road fuel underscores the importance of addressing consumption patterns within this specific area to achieve broader energy transition goals.
Recent trends indicate a decline in road fuel deliveries, with a 5.1% reduction compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. However, the extent to which this decline is mirrored across all sub-sectors within road transport (e.g., passenger vehicles vs. freight transport) remains an area for further investigation.
XX. Road Transport Sector Dominance
The road transport sector unequivocally dominates France’s fuel consumption profile. It’s the primary driver of demand, consuming the largest share of both diesel (gazole) and other fuels. This dominance is reflected in the nation’s overall consumption figures, with road fuel deliveries accounting for a significant portion of the total.
Recent data highlights a notable trend: a decline in road fuel deliveries. Compared to 2019, pre-COVID-19 levels, deliveries have decreased by 5.1%. This reduction, while potentially influenced by pandemic-related disruptions and shifts in mobility patterns, suggests a possible structural change in consumption habits.

Further analysis reveals a slight decrease in 2025, with deliveries falling by 0.6% compared to 2024, totaling 47.5 million cubic meters. This continued decline, coupled with a reduction in kilometrage observed between 2022 and 2023 (a 2.5% drop), points towards evolving transportation behaviors and potentially increased efficiency.
XXI. Impact of COVID-19 on Fuel Consumption
The COVID-19 pandemic exerted a substantial, albeit temporary, influence on France’s fuel consumption patterns. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and widespread remote work arrangements dramatically reduced mobility, leading to a significant decrease in demand for road transport fuels. This impact was immediately apparent in 2020 and continued to shape consumption trends in subsequent years.
Comparing current figures to pre-pandemic levels (2019) provides a crucial benchmark. Road fuel deliveries in France have decreased by 5.1% since 2019, indicating that consumption hasn’t fully recovered to its former levels. This suggests that some of the changes in behavior adopted during the pandemic – such as increased remote work and a shift towards local travel – may be persisting.

However, disentangling the pandemic’s long-term effects from other influencing factors, like rising fuel prices and growing environmental awareness, is complex. While COVID-19 initiated a downturn, ongoing trends suggest a broader shift towards reduced fuel consumption, potentially indicating a more sustainable change in transportation habits.
XXII. Comparison to Pre-Pandemic Levels (2019)
Analyzing fuel consumption in relation to 2019, the year preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, reveals a notable shift in France’s energy landscape. Data from the Comité Professionnel du Pétrole (CPDP) indicates a 5.1% reduction in road fuel deliveries when comparing 2024 figures to those of 2019. This decline signifies that consumption hasn’t rebounded to its pre-pandemic baseline, suggesting lasting changes in mobility patterns.
Several factors contribute to this divergence. The rise of remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, has demonstrably reduced commuting needs. Simultaneously, increased awareness of environmental concerns and the adoption of alternative transportation methods, like cycling and public transit, are playing a role.
Furthermore, economic conditions and fuel price volatility also influence consumption. While a direct correlation isn’t always evident, higher prices can discourage discretionary travel. The 5.1% decrease, therefore, represents a complex interplay of pandemic-induced behavioral shifts, evolving societal priorities, and broader economic forces impacting fuel demand in France.
XXIII. Future Outlook & Projections
Looking ahead, projections for French fuel consumption suggest a continuation of the current downward trajectory, albeit with potential fluctuations. Data indicates a slight decrease in road fuel deliveries for 2025, with a 0.6% drop compared to 2024, totaling 47.5 million cubic meters. This reinforces the expectation that peak fuel demand may have already passed in France.
Several key factors will shape this future landscape. The ongoing transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) and other alternative fuel technologies is expected to accelerate, further eroding demand for traditional fuels. Government policies promoting sustainable transportation and stricter emission standards will also play a crucial role.
However, unforeseen economic events or geopolitical instability could disrupt these projections. A resurgence in travel or a slowdown in the EV transition could temporarily boost fuel consumption. Nevertheless, the long-term trend points towards a sustained decline, driven by environmental concerns, technological advancements, and evolving consumer behavior, necessitating adaptation within the energy sector.

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