They spend the last few days there a little longer than usual. They also spend a little more when they finally find a gas station, without necessarily looking at the price. In recent days, the car, the everyday, occupies the minds of the French. And it is that according to the latest study by the Cetelem Automobile Observatory, having a car has become a luxury.
Fuel weighs on the budget of motorists
Between pump prices and rising second-hand and new prices, 73% of respondents believe that “owning a car requires financial sacrifices.” On average, the average budget in France allocated to the car for a year (fuel, insurance, repairs) is 2,870 euros. According to the study, 7.7% of the total household budget is dedicated to the car in 2022. And for the vast majority of those surveyed, what affects this budget is the move to the pump. Thus, 1745 euros go in diesel or gasoline throughout the year.
One in two French people plan to reduce their travel
Despite the discounts at petrol stations, this high cost of using a vehicle is particularly felt in France according to the Observatory: 62% of those surveyed point it out and 83% see this increase in costs. And the respondents act accordingly. Six out of 10 respondents say they have already stopped traveling due to the cost involved.
“And if they do not abandon their vehicle, they are also 60% in total and 68% in France to put in place measures to limit expenses related to the use of their vehicle,” specifies the press release from the Cetelem Observatory.
Nearly one in two French people plan to reduce their travel. A third of motorists also say they travel more often on foot, by bike or scooter.
Source: BFM TV
