Inflation: Prices rose by 3,4% in October, with energy costs weighing heavily on purchasing power.

Inflation continues to accelerate in France . According to final figures published Friday, November 13 by INSEE, consumer prices rose by 3,4% year-on-year in October 2026, their strongest increase since January 2024. This rise is mainly due to soaring energy prices, which continue to weigh on household spending.

Price increases are accelerating again in France. The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) confirmed on Friday that inflation reached 3,4% year-on-year in October, in line with its preliminary estimate published at the end of last month. Such a high level has not been seen since January 2024. This development comes after several months of tension in energy markets, against an international backdrop marked by the economic consequences of conflicts in the Middle East.

Consumer prices rose by 0,4% over the month, following a 0,3% decline in September. This acceleration reflects renewed pressure on household budgets, particularly as winter approaches. Heating, fuel, and transportation costs represent a significant portion of individual finances, making energy price fluctuations especially sensitive.

Energy prices are rising by more than 24%

Energy is the main driver of this acceleration. According to INSEE , its prices rose by 24,1% year-on-year in October, following a 21,3% increase in September. This marks the fourth consecutive month of price increases. This trend particularly affects gas and petroleum products, whose prices are influenced by tensions on international markets and supply conditions.

Services also saw an acceleration in their rates, rising 2,6% year-on-year, compared to 2,4% the previous month. Conversely, manufactured goods continued to experience a slight price decrease, falling 0,2% in October. This decline, however, was less pronounced than that observed in September, when prices in this category decreased by 0,3%.

Food production is slowing down, but remains more expensive.

In the food sector, price increases slowed slightly. They reached 1,2% year-on-year in October, compared to 1,4% in September. This trend is mainly due to a slower rate of increase in fresh produce prices, which rose by 8%, after a 9,5% increase the previous month. Certain vegetables remain particularly affected, notably tomatoes, zucchini, and lettuce.

This slowdown does not mean that food prices are returning to their previous levels. Lower inflation simply indicates that prices are rising less rapidly. For consumers, daily expenses therefore remain significant, especially since rising energy costs can also impact companies' production and transportation costs.

Inflation higher than that observed a year earlier

The comparison with October 2025 illustrates the scale of the change. At that time, French inflation was only 0,9% year-on-year, and energy prices were trending downwards. A year later, energy tensions have profoundly altered the situation. The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), used to compare trends between European countries, is now up 3,7% year-on-year in France, compared to 3,4% in September.

This renewed acceleration poses a challenge for both households and businesses. It comes at a time when energy costs are likely to rise with the arrival of winter and when wage negotiations must take into account the changing cost of living. Upcoming publications from INSEE will reveal whether the price increases are stabilizing or whether energy tensions will continue to fuel inflation in the final months of the year.