Gas: Reference price increases by 5.8% in December, indexed contracts concerned

The gas benchmark price will increase by 5.8% on December 1, 2026, according to the announcement of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) reported by several media on November 9. This trend mainly concerns the approximately six million households whose contract is indexed to this indicator, i.e. about 60% of residential gas subscribers — not all French households. [S2] [S4] [S5]

A fourth increase, with different effects depending on the contracts

The average level announced will increase from 194.90 euros TTC per megawatt hour in November to 206.26 euros in December. Europe 1 states that this is the fourth consecutive monthly increase after September, October and November. East Republican, the Latest News of Alsace and 20 Minutes agree on the rate of December, the amounts and the population concerned. Their figures are attributed to the same regulator: this convergence does not therefore constitute several independent estimates. [S2] [S3] [S4] [S5]

According to the CRE assessment taken up by these publications, the additional cost would average EUR 16 VAT for December alone for consumers with indexed offers. In total, 2026, the average consumer's bill would increase by 11.8% compared to 2025, i.e. an additional EUR 143 VAT. These two amounts cover different periods: the 143 euros do not represent the cost of the only increase in December. These are averages, not an identical sum to add to each invoice. [S2] [S3] [S4]

Households with a fixed price offer are not directly affected by this increase in the benchmark price. They accounted for about 40 per cent of residential gas consumers by the end of 2025, according to data reported by East Republican and DNA. This proportion describes the situation at that date, not an updated statement of contracts in November 2026. [S2] [S3]

A market indicator, not a tariff imposed on all

The benchmark price is not a mandatory regulated tariff. Since the disappearance of regulated gas tariffs, the CRE has published this monthly indicator to help consumers compare offers. It includes a subscription and a price per kilowatt hour, and reflects an estimate of the costs of supply, routing, storage and marketing, as well as the remuneration of the supplier. Suppliers freely build their offers; the impact on the customer depends on the terms of the contract. [S6]

For December, the explanation put forward by the CRE and relayed by the media is the rise in gas prices in October. Its president, Emmanuelle Wargon, stressed that France imports 95% of its gas and attributed tensions to a reduced offer since the crisis in the Strait of Ormuz. This is the analysis of the regulator reported in particular by 20 Minutes and Europe 1 ; the articles consulted do not separately quantify the contribution of each factor to the increase. [S2] [S4] [S5]

Compare offers, without confusing fixed price with blocked invoice

For an individual, the first margin of action is to identify the formula of his contract: indexed price, fixed price and warranty period. In its advice issued on the occasion of the spring increases of 2026, the National Energy Ombudsman distinguishes between offers blocking subscription and consumption, excluding taxation, from those guaranteeing only the energy share. The term "fixed price" is therefore not sufficient to know all the components likely to evolve. [S7]

The Ombudsman also points out that individuals can change suppliers free of charge and at any time, regardless of the type of tender. Its public and independent comparator allows to compare proposals with the consumption profile of the household. It recommends looking at the estimated annual cost, not just the price per kilowatt hour, and then reading the conditions of tariff developments. This freedom of choice makes it possible to seek a more suitable offer; It alone does not guarantee an economy for each household. [S7]

Arbitrage remains concrete: an indexed offer follows variations in its reference, up and down, while a price guarantee provides visibility on the items it covers. Therefore, before changing, the proposed amount, the area actually guaranteed and its maturity must be compared. The information consulted shows the December increase but does not predict the next movement of the benchmark price. [S6] [S7]