As the Easter weekend approaches, drivers in France are set to benefit from a significant reduction in fuel costs, with several major retailers launching operations to sell fuel at cost price. This initiative comes at a time when fuel prices at the pump have seen a decline, thanks to an increase in production announced by OPEC (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) and current geopolitical circumstances, which have pushed crude oil prices down.
Starting today, April 18, 2025, and running until Sunday, April 20, 2025, E.Leclerc will offer fuel at cost price across its 730 service stations throughout France, excluding highway stations. According to E.Leclerc, the operation aims to help maintain the purchasing power of French consumers during this busy travel period. Michel-Édouard Leclerc, the president of E.Leclerc's strategic committee, stated, "In order to preserve the purchasing power of the French and facilitate their travel during this long weekend, E.Leclerc is organizing a 'fuel at cost price' operation from April 18 to 20."
During this promotional period, the average prices for fuel in France are as follows: unleaded 95 is priced at 1.707 euros per liter, unleaded 95 E10 at 1.674 euros, and diesel at 1.575 euros. These prices reflect a broader trend of decreasing fuel costs, with diesel recorded at a lower average of 1.57 euros per liter last week, down 5.5 cents compared to the previous week. Similarly, unleaded 95-E10 saw a decrease of 4.9 cents over the same period.
In addition to E.Leclerc, Intermarché has announced a similar initiative, offering gasoline and diesel at cost price until tomorrow evening, April 19, 2025. Meanwhile, Carrefour is providing a different incentive by crediting loyalty card holders with 5% of their fuel purchases, although this offer excludes GPL (liquefied petroleum gas) and runs until Monday, April 21, 2025.
These cost price operations come just in time for the Easter weekend, a period when many families are preparing to travel. With the rising costs of living and inflation impacting household budgets, such initiatives are seen as a welcome relief for motorists. The E.Leclerc operation is particularly strategic, as it not only aims to alleviate financial pressure on families during the holiday but also seeks to increase foot traffic to its stores.
Leclerc's fuel at cost price operation is designed to be straightforward: no profit is made by the retailer, meaning customers pay only for the fuel itself, excluding transportation, taxes, and storage costs. This means that while the savings may not be monumental, they can still provide a meaningful reduction. For instance, a 5 cent reduction per liter on a 50-liter fill-up of unleaded 95 (E10) would save a motorist 2.50 euros.
Examples of prices recorded at E.Leclerc stations on April 18, 2025, include: 1.455 euros per liter of diesel in Gramat, 1.594 euros for unleaded 95 in Échirolles, 1.530 euros for unleaded 95-E10 in Orchies, and 1.680 euros for unleaded 98 in Altkirch. Additionally, bio-ethanol was priced at 0.638 euros per liter in Morlaix.
Despite the benefits of these promotions, some experts have criticized the short-term nature of such operations, arguing that they do not address the underlying issues of fuel dependence and rising prices at the pump. They point out that the price margin typically earned by large retailers is only about 2 to 3 cents per liter, with the bulk of fuel prices being driven by taxes imposed by the state.
Nonetheless, the timing of these initiatives is crucial, as many families are preparing for extended travel during the Easter holiday. The operation runs concurrently with a noticeable decrease in fuel prices observed in recent weeks, attributed to concerns over potential trade wars and a slowdown in economic growth, which have influenced international oil markets.
As the Easter weekend kicks off, the opportunity to fill up at lower prices is expected to attract many motorists to E.Leclerc and Intermarché stations, allowing them to save on travel expenses. With the summer vacation period approaching, it is likely that similar operations could be introduced in the coming weeks, further assisting consumers in managing their fuel costs.
In summary, the E.Leclerc and Intermarché fuel initiatives are timely responses to the financial pressures faced by French families, providing a much-needed break on fuel prices during a busy travel season. As these operations unfold, motorists are encouraged to take advantage of these offers at participating stations, ensuring they fill up before hitting the road.
