Will pump prices rise further?
If it is difficult, if not impossible, to answer the question, Olivier Gantois, president of Ufip Énergies et Mobilités, showed confidence this Tuesday for the coming months.
Certainly, since 2022, “
major geopolitical events
” have shaken up the landscape.
However, neither the embargoes on Russian petroleum products in 2022, nor the attacks in the Middle East, have had any consequences on supplies in France.
On the other hand, the impact has been felt on the price of a barrel, which has stabilized between 75 and 85 dollars since 2022. This reflects both the consequences of the war in Ukraine and the continued limitations on production of OPEC and Russia.
This year we could stay in the same price tunnel.
The consequences are felt on prices at the pump.
“
In October 2023, the efforts requested by the government from distributors, with price caps and sales at cash prices, had an effect, while remaining at high levels
”, underlines Olivier Gantois, who describes “
bad idea of the government which wanted to authorize resale at a loss.
For commercial companies like us, it doesn’t make sense
.”
Taxes represent 51% of the price of a liter of diesel including tax at the pump and 53% of that of unleaded, in 2023.
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Few electric vehicles
On the other hand, the electrification of the French vehicle fleet is certainly growing but remains modest.
“
Today, 3% of the 40 million French vehicles are electric or plug-in hybrids.
This is progressing but it takes time
,” underlines the president of the professional organization bringing together gas, oil and biofuels companies.
Ufip members also deploy electrical terminals on French territory.
120,000 terminals accessible to the general public have been deployed in 2023, with “
an increase in charging power which reduces charging time
”.
Energy saving certificates
On the other hand, the sector is struggling to make energy savings for users.
“
Reducing energy consumption is the key parameter for a successful energy transition
,” recalls Olivier Gantois.
However, every energy distributor has an obligation to save money for users, whether they are its direct customers or not.
Targets for a reduction of 3,100 terawatt hours (TWh) have been set for the period 2022-2025, including 44% for transport.
To date, they have only achieved 2.8% of the objective.
Energy savings are massively achieved in buildings.
“
We will try to change the situation
,” promises Olivier Gantois.
A key point given that “liquid energies” (gas, oil, biogas and biofuels) represent 43% of energy consumption.
“
To achieve carbon neutrality objectives, oil consumption should be 6% when it is only 1%
,” deplores Olivier Gantois, who continues to emphasize the sector's commitments to the transition. energy.
“
‘Defossilization’ will take place if demand falls.
There is no point in turning off the supply taps if we do not support consumers to reduce their demand.
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