Electricity Bills Raise French Baguette Prices

In France, visiting the boulangerie for a fresh baguette is a daily ritual. But bakers now struggle to maintain this cherished tradition.

The crisis began when the French government announced an 8.6% electricity price increase. With energy costs at an all-time high, producing a simple baguette has become challenging for bakeries.

Last year’s baguettes, priced between 90 cents and 1 euro, now cost 1.2 euros — a more than 20% increase.

Baker owners are adapting by using ovens during low-consumption hours and minimizing operation time. These strategies help them control rising expenses while trying to keep bread affordable.

The French fear this might signal the start of a broader inflation crisis, threatening their beloved culinary culture.