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What is the price of gas in Europe and how does France compare?
Gas prices, a major concern for households across Europe, vary significantly from one country to another. What explains these differences? And where does France stand compared with its European neighbours? ENGIE takes a closer look at gas prices in Europe.
Summary of the article
- The average gas price in the EU in 2025 is €0.1143/kWh, down compared with 2024.
- France ranks in the upper part of the European ranking, with prices above the EU average.
- Price gaps between countries are significant: Nordic countries have the highest prices, while Eastern Europe is much cheaper.
Since 2021, the European natural gas market has experienced significant fluctuations, driven by the energy crisis and geopolitical developments. Prices even reached historic highs in 2022 before stabilising. Thanks to Eurostat statistics (the official statistical office of the European Union), it is possible to analyse tariffs and understand France’s position compared with other European countries. So what is the real price of gas in Europe? And where does France stand?
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Gas prices in Europe: what are the differences between countries?
The average gas price in Europe
According to Eurostat, some countries show significantly higher tariffs than the European average, while others remain very affordable. The average price of natural gas for households in the European Union in the first half of 2025 stands at around €0.1143/kWh including tax. This represents a decrease of nearly 8% compared with the second half of 2024, marking a stabilisation after the energy crisis.
Where is gas the most expensive and the cheapest in Europe?
Prices vary widely from one country to another:
Highest: Sweden (€0.2128/kWh), Netherlands (€0.1617/kWh), Denmark (€0.1306/kWh).
Lowest: Hungary (€0.0307/kWh), Croatia (€0.0461/kWh), Romania (€0.0559/kWh).
These differences reflect variations in supply sources, taxation, and network structures across countries.
Gas prices in Europe: full overview
Country |
Price in €/kWh (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
Sweden |
0.2128 |
Netherlands |
0.1617 |
Denmark |
0.1306 |
Liechtenstein |
0.1306 |
France |
0.1298 |
Portugal |
0.1265 |
Italy |
0.1240 |
Austria |
0.1220 |
Ireland |
0.1218 |
North Macedonia |
0.1218 |
Germany |
0.1216 |
Czech Republic |
0.0967 |
Moldova |
0.0957 |
Luxembourg |
0.0929 |
Belgium |
0.0919 |
Greece |
0.0863 |
Spain |
0.0859 |
Estonia |
0.0856 |
Slovenia |
0.0849 |
Latvia |
0.0832 |
Bulgaria |
0.0765 |
Lithuania |
0.0667 |
Slovakia |
0.0587 |
Romania |
0.0559 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
0.0504 |
Croatia |
0.0461 |
Hungary |
0.0307 |
Turkey |
0.0209 |
Georgia |
0.0168 |
Data not available: Albania, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
Source: Eurostat (nrg_pc_202)
Where France stands compared with its neighbours
France is among the European countries where gas is relatively expensive for households, with an average price of €0.1298/kWh, thus above the European average.
In comparison in 2025:
France: €0.1298/kWh
Italy: €0.1240/kWh incl. VAT
Germany: €0.1216/kWh incl. VAT
EU average price: €0.1143/kWh incl. VAT
Spain: €0.0859/kWh incl. VAT
Natural gas reference price in France in 2026
Tracking changes in gas prices is essential to better manage your energy budget. Every month, ENGIE supports you with a full update on gas price trends, as well as practical advice to help reduce your bill.
What factors explain price differences?
Gas price differences across Europe can be explained by several factors:
Supply: some countries produce their own gas locally, while others rely on imports, making them sensitive to global price fluctuations.
Infrastructure and transport: costs linked to pipelines, LNG terminals, and distribution networks impact the final price.
Taxes and regulation: each country applies its own energy taxes and contributions, which can significantly increase bills.
Market and contracts: the use of spot markets or long-term contracts affects price volatility.
Seasonal factors: demand increases in winter for heating, which drives price variations.
Energy transition: policies aimed at developing renewable energy can also influence gas prices.
And what about Norway?
Paradoxically, in Norway, despite being the leading natural gas producer in Western Europe, domestic final energy consumption is dominated by electricity via heat pumps, followed by wood/biomass and district heating systems. Natural gas is mainly used for industrial applications. It is rare among households and is generally consumed in bottled form.
Gas prices in Europe: key takeaways
The European gas market shows price stabilisation after recent crises.
Eurostat data highlights significant disparities between countries.
France, although less extreme than Sweden or the Netherlands, remains one of the more expensive countries for gas.
Why do gas prices vary so much from one European country to another?
Gas prices depend on supply (local or imported), infrastructure, national taxes, market structure, and seasonal demand. These combined factors explain the large differences between countries.
Which European country has the cheapest gas?
According to Eurostat in 2025, Hungary, Croatia, and Romania are among the countries with the lowest prices.
How can gas prices in Europe be compared?
Eurostat publishes monthly and semi-annual comparative data, including household prices with all taxes included.
