2025 experienced a significant increase in French ethanol use, and reached its highest level in years due to increased gasoline demand and greater blending. Ethanol use in France increased by 15% compared with the previous year, which is due to increased road fuel sales and greater use of biofuels nationwide. France leads Europe in ethanol production and consumption, and this growth indicates that biofuels are becoming increasingly important for meeting energy needs while reducing emissions.

Strong Gasoline Sales Drive Ethanol Blending

Strong gasoline sales were the primary driver of the increase in ethanol use, and French drivers used more fuel in 2025, thereby increasing demand for petrol blended with ethanol, such as E10, which contains up to 10% bioethanol, making it the most commonly sold fuel. Industry representatives reported that the availability and competitive price of E10 helped maintain demand.

Ethanol is also used in higher blends such as E85, which is often used by owners of flex-fuel vehicles, thereby increasing overall consumption during the year. France’s strong ethanol production enabled the market to meet higher demand without major supply disruptions, and most ethanol produced in France is derived from sugar beets and cereals, thereby reinforcing France’s position as a key biofuel supplier in the European Union.

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Policy and Climate Goals Determine the Market

The deregulation of ethanol demand was part of France’s concerted effort to align its entire climate strategy to reduce emissions from the transport sector. While the country is making a significant push to increase the number of electric vehicles on its roads and to adopt other low-carbon transport solutions, biofuels still play an essential role as a transitional measure.

Nevertheless, environmental organizations continue to question the green credentials of crop-based biofuels, blaming the use of arable land for fuel rather than food. Government officials are aware of such arguments and the ensuing controversies, but argue that, in the coming years, ethanol will remain as one of the components of the fuel mix.

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Outlook for 2026 and After

Based on the industry experts’ findings, ethanol will be steady at levels comparable to historical levels, primarily driven by gasoline consumption trends and blending requirements, and accelerated electrification may hinder further growth in the segment, but this is more likely in the long term, when demand is generally weaker.

An increase in French ethanol use in 2025 underscores that biofuels continue to play a pivotal role in the gradual replacement of fossil fuels by cleaner energy alternatives in the country’s transport sector, which is undergoing a transition.

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