The surge in fuel prices driven by the conflict in Iran is reshuffling the cards in the automotive market. At Citroën, orders for electric vehicles reportedly jumped by 40% in April. A spectacular figure, fueled by an economic context prompting motorists to reconsider their choices.
When Xavier Chardon, Citroën’s CEO, stated on BFM Business that the demand for electric vehicles is “accelerating,” he highlighted a phenomenon few analysts had predicted with such intensity. Since the outbreak of the conflict in Iran in late February, and the ensuing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, fuel prices at the pump have significantly risen in France: around +15% for petrol, and a much steeper 35% increase for diesel. As of Monday, diesel was averaging €2.33 per liter, SP95-E10 at €2, and SP98 at €2.10.
Driving 100 kilometers with diesel costs an average of €11, compared to €2 to €3 for electric vehicles according to government estimates. The difference is significant enough for hesitant motorists to finally make the switch.
Context: The price surge in fuel is pushing consumers towards electric vehicles as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel.
Fact Check: The figures provided by Citroën may need to be analyzed further as they represent orders placed, not deliveries, and Citroën is known for its electric vehicle-oriented range.
Encouraging Figures, but to Be Qualified
Citroën’s CEO mentioned that “40% of orders from individual customers are for electric vehicles for the first fifteen days of April.” This figure should be put into context: these are orders, not deliveries, and Citroën remains particularly focused on this segment with its product range. Nevertheless, the trend appears real.
On the French market scale, sales of new electric vehicles reached 112,000 units in the first quarter of 2026, representing 28% of total sales. In 2025, the country sold 327,000 electric vehicles. The momentum is there, even though the path to widespread adoption remains littered with obstacles: purchase cost, charging infrastructure, and geographic disparities at the forefront.
Social Leasing as an Accelerator
The government, closely monitoring electrification, announced on Sunday a new wave of social leasing: at least 50,000 additional vehicles will be offered in June, targeting this time “heavy commuters” directly impacted by the fuel price hike: nurses, home care workers, nurse aides. A targeted boost, following the 2024 and 2025 editions that had already placed 50,000 cars each time on the market.
This scheme has clearly helped boost the numbers. It would be oversimplifying to attribute the entire growth to a sudden environmental consciousness. It is equally, if not more, a pragmatic response to financial burdens.
