Gas prices: why does France pay more than Belgium?

Published 2026-10-18

While energy bills remain a major concern for French households, a comparison with our Belgian neighbors is raising many questions. Indeed, the price of natural gas is currently reaching approximately 10 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in Belgium, a rate significantly lower than that observed in France.

This price difference is mainly explained by the market structure and the strategic choices of the two countries. In Belgium, the gas market is very open to competition, which encourages a rapid drop in rates when wholesale prices fall on international markets. Belgian suppliers pass these decreases on to individual bills more directly.

In France, the system is more complex. Although wholesale prices have also fallen, final rates include specific taxes and distribution costs that remain high. Furthermore, the protection mechanism put in place by the French government during the energy crisis sometimes slowed down the immediate downward adjustment of prices, as it was primarily aimed at avoiding sharp increases during periods of high tension.

Another determining factor is dependence on infrastructure. Belgium has easy access to LNG terminals and highly diversified import networks, which allows it to benefit from more competitive prices when purchasing liquefied natural gas (LNG). France, although well-equipped, must contend with transport and storage costs that are integrated differently into the final price paid by the consumer.

In conclusion, while the price gap between the two countries is real, it reflects distinct economic models. For French consumers, the situation highlights the importance of regularly comparing offers from different suppliers, as competition remains the primary lever for obtaining more advantageous rates in the current context of the European market.

Sources: JeChange

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