Gasoline in France soon cheaper than in Belgium? When the trend reverses

As we know, inflation has a huge impact on households. This applies in particular to petrol and diesel. Motorists are therefore looking for the cheapest gas station. For a long time it was in Belgium. But that may not be the case anymore.

Previously, prices in Belgium were lower. -AFP

Released: July 30, 2022 at 6:08 p.m

reading time:
3 minutes

From September 1st, the price of petrol in France will drop to EUR 1.50 per litre. This reduced price is possible thanks to a tax reduction decided by the French State and a reduction granted by TotalEnergies at its petrol stations. It’s a 30 cent reduction that is eventually applied by the state. For its part, TotalEnergies has announced that it will reduce the price per liter at its petrol stations by 20 cents.

In Belgium, everything indicates that these prices will not be maintained … At best, the state could lower taxes by 9.5 centimes. However, the TotalEnergies Group is not planning any reduction there for the time being. Many Belgians are already planning to refuel in France.

Generally cheaper in France

However, before that the situation was reversed. If the stereotype of cheaper petrol seems to still exist in Belgium for now, it doesn’t seem so true anymore. In most cases, petrol 95 (E10) and diesel (B7) are already a few cents cheaper in France.

Mouscron and Wattrelos are less than ten kilometers apart. A ridiculous distance for most Mouscronnois, who would certainly not hesitate to refuel on the other side of the border. This is not very interesting for gasoline 95 (E10). In Mouscron post this week the cheapest gas stations (Gabriëls, PMO and Shell Express), €1,759 of the liter, against €1,746 per liter at Wattrelos, at E.Leclerc a difference of one cent.

On the other hand, the difference in the price of diesel is noticeable (B7). It is displayed at €1,872 per liter at Gabriëls, PMO and Shell Express, while E.Leclerc offers this fuel at €1,786 per liter.

Tournai and Saint Amand les Eaux are more distant communities, about twenty kilometers apart. But some motorists will certainly be willing to tackle those few kilometers. On one side, in Tournai, shows the cheapest gas station (Esso). €1,803 per liter for gasoline 95 (E10) and €1,903 liters for diesel (B7). With us, petrol only costs 95 (E10). €1,708 liters and diesel (B7) €1,773 per liter.

The situation is not the same Comines-Warneton and Armentieres. With us the difference is smaller. Diesel (B7) costs €1,879 per liter at Gabrëls in Warneton, against €1,870 at the crossing of Armentières. With petrol 95 (E10), on the other hand, the situation is reversed. Gabriels at Warneton poster €1,769 per liter, while Esso Express counts in Armentières €1,821 of the liter.

One E.Leclerc share

This price difference can be explained in particular by the promotion currently being carried out by the E.Leclerc brand. For a few days, the retail store decided to repeat its action on the price of gasoline. From July 28th to 30th, E.Leclerc is offering petrol at cost.

A border problem

For many years, Belgium attracted cross-border motorists because of its fuel price, which was lower than France. Petrol stations are therefore flourishing along the borders, which also sell cigarettes, which are cheaper in Belgium than in France. Mouscron was no exception to the rule.

In September, however, the pattern could be reversed: fuel will become cheaper in France, up to €1.50 per liter. The Triangle 2000 service station, less than 300 meters from the border, is concerned about this decision. ” It’s not bad for us! Unfortunately we can only suffer. The government decides on the bonuses, we can’t do anything about it explains David, the responsible employee at the gas station. In view of the taxes levied, it is currently impossible for the gas station attendant to keep up with the prices expected on the other side of the border.

Especially since the majority of Triangle 2000 customers are French. It must be said that Belgium used to be much more attractive for the prices charged at gas stations. Since then, many farms have sprung up on the borders, the French come to fill the flat country. For now, this stereotype still holds true as prices seem to be leveling out. But in a few months, the trend will reverse.

In addition to the gas station, Triangle 2000 is also a shop run by the gas station attendant. There seems to be less concern on this side. ” Customers also come for tobacco, which remains cheaper in Belgium. But with all the night shops down the street, there’s quite a bit of competition. »

“We hope Belgium follows the movement, otherwise it will be our deaths”

While France announces minimum fuel prices of 1.5 euros per liter from September, nothing in Belgium says it will stay that way. For gas station attendants at the border who are on the wrong side… in Belgium we are concerned that the government remains inflexible. ” We hope that Belgium will follow the movement, otherwise it will be our deaths. But we don’t believe in it too much, Lukoil will follow in my opinion and the state won’t really have a choice but to follow the trend… explains Sandy, manager of the Lukoil petrol station on rue de la Festingue in Néchin. ” I am still asking to see what is being done in France and if the word is upheld. In hindsight, it’s hard to imagine that we could end up at different 50 cents just a few meters away in Europe. September is still far away for us, prices change daily. But if we arrive at around 1.5 euros per liter, that would only be a fair return to normal. So there will be no gain for anyone… »

VDN

Here the limit is visible to the naked eye and there is no doubt that if customers want to save on fuel they will not hesitate to walk the few meters just to save a few euros. ” We’re seeing it now, plus people can go elsewhere even for a penny. The effect is not necessarily large. We really have the feeling that the clientele pays attention to everything. That said, we’re also fortunate to have products that bring customers back to us, such as cigarettes, which will stay with us for a lot cheaper. »

For the time being, Sandy and his wife Lorie check every day what the competition is offering as a prize. ” Every morning we watch and tell Lukoil what is going on near our station. We always want to be the cheapest. Sometimes you don’t even have to ask for the counter on the totem to move by itself. It really is a price war! »