Crunch time: Fuel price spike squeezes French baguette bakers as heating oil costs soar

In the small town of Saint-Just-en-Chaussée, France, Kevin and Sandrine Luce's bakery is facing a financial challenge as fuel prices surge. The couple heats their oven using heating oil and had previously paid 2,230 euros for 2,000 liters of fuel. However, they now spend nearly the same amount for just 1,200 liters, which has reduced the oven's economic advantage over electric ovens.

The Luces are not alone; there are over 34,000 bakers in France, out of 6 billion baguettes produced annually, many of which rely on oil- or gas-fired ovens. Small businesses are feeling the impact of the energy crisis, which is especially severe in rural areas of France where people often rely on cars due to limited public transportation.

The French government has introduced a 450 million euros aid package to help those affected by the fuel price hike, but its impact may be limited. Farmers like Martial Realland, who runs a food truck, are feeling the financial strain as diesel prices have climbed, making it less profitable to fill his tank. Realland may avoid long-distance work to save money.

Far-right lawmaker Christine Loir has raised concerns about the high fuel prices in her rural region, as many homes use heating oil, and many cannot afford to install alternative heating systems or better insulation.