Key changes take effect in france on November 1st

The benchmark price of natural gas is expected to rise for most individuals, driven by increased prices on the gas markets in September. Conversely, fuel prices are anticipated to decrease following the release of strategic diesel reserves announced earlier in October by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

The Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE) announced in mid-October that the “reference selling price of gas” (PRVG), a market indicator used by suppliers to set prices and for consumer comparison, will increase by an average of 6.6% on November 1st. This increase is attributed to higher gas prices in September compared to August. While the situation is expected to remain relatively stable towards the end of the year, the CRE estimates that the average annual bill could be 11% higher in 2026 than in 2025, representing an increase of approximately €135. Specifically in November, the CRE estimates the impact on bills to be around €12 on average for consumers with offers indexed to the PRVG – approximately 6 million households. Those with fixed-price offers will not be affected.

To mitigate rising fuel costs, the government expects a decrease of 12 to 18 cents per liter in the price of diesel, which has averaged between €2.30 and €2.40 since early October. The decree mandating the release of strategic reserves requires distributors to fully pass on the price reduction to consumers and to inform them before the sale.

Approximately 14 million retirees will see an increase in their supplementary pension payments, following a decision made in mid-October by social partners to revalue them by 1.4% for 2027. These pensions, from the Agirc-Arrco scheme, represent a variable portion of the total pension – around 30% for the lowest salaries and 60% for executives – and will be revalued starting November 1st. While the CGT voted against the rate, the CFDT, CFTC, and FO approved it. “We would have liked a more significant revaluation,” stated Fabien Guimbretière, national secretary of the CFDT. “We couldn’t afford not to revalue,” added Séverine Privat, in charge of pensions at Force ouvrière, after the negotiations.

The winter truce, inscribed in law since 1956, begins on Sunday. This measure suspends evictions of tenants between November 1st and March 31st, except for those permitted by law. It aims to protect occupants during the coldest months of the year. The truce also applies to electricity and gas, prohibiting cutoffs for unpaid bills in primary residences.

With nearly 5.9 billion small parcels entering the European Union in 2025 – four times the number in 2022, primarily from China – the EU has implemented a fiscal measure. Since July 1st, a €3 tax has been imposed on products in parcels imported from China worth less than €150. From November 1st, a further €2 “processing fee” will be added to fund enhanced customs controls and prevent the entry of dangerous or counterfeit goods.

The ceiling for daily allowances after a work accident or occupational disease will be lowered starting November 1st. A government decree, finalized in late September, aims to balance the accounts of this social security branch. The ceiling will decrease to 1.8 times the minimum wage (smic), compared to over 3 times currently. This will affect employees earning more than 1.8 times the smic, who will see a reduction in their social security daily allowances, with employers compensating through salary supplements where applicable. This measure, impacting incidents occurring from November 1st onwards, is expected to generate approximately €270 million in savings by 2027. The Ministry of Labor estimates that it will affect 14% of work accidents and occupational diseases, representing 28% of expenditure.

Finally, vehicles traveling in mountainous areas of 34 departments must be equipped with winter tires, snow chains, or snow socks from November 1st. This requirement, marked by signage, remains in effect until March 31st for all light vehicles, utility vehicles, buses, and trucks.