Kevin and Sandrine Luce paid €2,230 for 2,000 liters of bakery oven fuel in March and nearly the same for just 1,200 liters last week. Kevin says higher energy costs cut earnings, but the shop is keeping basic and traditional baguettes at €1 and €1.10.
Fuel prices have spiked since the Iran war began Feb. 28. France has more than 34,000 bakers producing about 6 billion baguettes annually; the national federation says roughly a quarter use oil- or gas-fired ovens. This week, the government announced an aid package estimated at €450 million, including subsidies for people commuting at least 15 kilometers to work and €48 to €277 in winter-bill support for 5.8 million families.
Rural businesses and households are also feeling the squeeze. Food-truck owner Martial Realland said a diesel fill-up rose to €200 from €120 before the war; he is turning down long-distance work and may not refill his rented home's oil tank, which he estimates could cost €2,500 for 1,500 liters, compared with €1,600 last year. National Rally lawmaker Christine Loir said more than 10% of homes in Eure use heating oil and is urging the government to cut its tax.
