Gas Utilities in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Gas Utilities in France industry analysis

The Gas Utilities industry comprises all stages required to deliver gas to end users in France, including generation, transmission, distribution and supply. France is almost entirely dependent on imports for its natural gas supply, cutting gas generation and transmission out of the supply chain. This means the industry is dominated by gas supply, though distribution also plays a key role in transporting gas from import terminals to end users. De-industrialisation has spurred a long-term decline in gas consumption in France, with decarbonisation efforts accelerating this downward trend in recent years.
Despite falling consumption, revenue is forecast to expand at a compound annual rate of 12.3% over the five years through 2025, reaching €46 billion. Gas suppliers have been hit by volatility in global energy markets in recent years. Declining gas consumption and falling wholesale market prices spurred a slump in revenue during the pandemic, with a higher number of defaults on customer bills spurring also eating into profitability. Revenue bounced back in 2021 as geopolitical tensions spurred rapid growth in wholesale prices, leading to widespread tariff increases. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a renewed surge in natural gas prices necessitated government intervention through the introduction of a tariff shield. While this limited revenue growth and constrained profitability in household and small business gas supply markets in 2022, the absence of a price cap for large energy users contributed to strong revenue growth. Although natural gas prices dropped by more than two-thirds in 2023, revenue remained well above 2021 levels, as ongoing uncertainty and the abolishment of regulated prices made companies reluctant to cut tariffs significantly. Natural gas prices continued to come down in 2024 and are showing signs of stabilising in 2025. However, this is yet to translate into widespread tariff reductions, owing to ongoing volatility in global commodity markets and a recent hike in GRDF’s distribution tariff. Still, revenue is forecast to decline by 8.4% in 2025.
Over the five years through 2030, revenue is slated to fall at a compound annual rate of 0.2% to €45.6 billion. Intensified competition following the de-regulation of prices should limit the scope for significant tariff increases as natural gas prices continue to stabilise. In line with climate goals, gas consumption is set to drop 20% by 2030, weighing on growth prospects. The integration of renewable gases is set to continue to inflate distribution charges, while presenting opportunities for gas suppliers to target eco-conscious households and businesses.

Trends and Insights

• The Russia-Ukraine war has shocked the European gas market. The conflict led to supply cuts, diversified energy sources, and fluctuating gas prices, affecting revenue and profitability throughout the energy value chain.
• Gas suppliers are dealing with volatile prices. Soaring wholesale prices have bumped up retail costs, with government intervention required to soften the financial blow to households.
• The level of concentration varies between countries and depending on operation types. A small number of companies dominate gas manufacturing and distribution markets, while increased competition has lessened concentration in gas supply markets in recent years.