As you know, fuel prices are skyrocketing for the general public, and we wanted to find out more, even though, for once, it's not about MotoGP or Superbike...
Price trends:
At the beginning of March, the national averages recorded at the end of February 2026 indicated the following prices:
Fuel
≈ Average price
Diesel ≈ €1,70/L
SP95 ≈ €1,76/L
SP95-E10 ≈ €1,71/L
SP98 ≈ €1,81/L
E85 ≈ €0,76/L
Today, diesel has increased sharply, while SP95, which fuels our motorcycles, has increased slightly less.
Diesel ≈ €1,90 to €2,05/L
SP95 ≈ €1,80 to €1,95/L
Why this difference?
In France, but also in Europe and the rest of the world, the situation for diesel is particularly tense, for multiple reasons.
It is used not only for personal mobility but is also used extensively in road transport, agriculture, maritime transport, and even heating.
But when you refine crude oil, you get more petrol than diesel (25-30% versus 40-45% petrol).
It also costs more to produce, due to modern standards: "ultra low sulfur" diesel and additional additives.
Gradually, Europe thought it wise (read: profitable) to reduce its diesel refining capacity, preferring to source from Russia (before 2022, nearly half of imports came from Russia) and the Middle East.
No need to draw you a picture…
Fuel price breakdown:
For diesel at 2 euros:
| component | the amount |
|---|---|
| crude oil | ~ 0,64 € |
| refining / transport / distribution | ~ 0,25 € |
| TICPE | ~ 0,61 € |
| VAT | ~ 0,51 € |
| final price | €2,01 |
Total taxes: ≈ €1,10, therefore: ≈ 55% of the price is tax.
For SP95 at 1,90 euros:
| component | the amount |
|---|---|
| crude oil | ~ 0,60 € |
| refining + transport + margin | ~ 0,25 € |
| TICPE | ~ 0,68 € |
| VAT | ~ 0,37 € |
| final price | ≈ €1,90 |
Total taxes: ≈ €1,05, therefore: ≈ 55% of the price is tax.
The TICPE:
The TICPE (Domestic Consumption Tax on Energy Products) is calculated in a particular way: it is not a percentage of the price, but a fixed amount per liter of fuel. Therefore, it is a tax that does not depend on the price of oil or the price at the pump.
These prices, set in the finance law, are for 2026 €0,60/L for diesel, and ≈ €0,68/L for petrol: bad luck for our motorcycles!
Note: Transport professionals (truck drivers, taxis and coaches) are reimbursed for 15 to 33 cents per litreHence their current silence…
The tax on the tax:
Obviously, all of this wouldn't have brought in enough money if the State hadn't had the good idea of tax the taxby applying a 20% VAT rate to the TICPE!
The sum of these two taxes, at current prices, would bring in between 45 and 50 billion, or €85,000 to €95,000 per minute.
Ultimately, our elected officials are really good, but it's clearly not enough, given the unacceptable state of our roads.
Our neighbors:
Among neighbouring countries, only Italy applies a higher TICPE, as well as a VAT of 22%, but has a lower cost price.
For everyone else, if you live nearby, don't hesitate! (Prices as of March 2nd, before the increase, but they give a good idea of the cost in France)
