BAROMETER. Road transport prices increased by 1.9% in May 2026 compared to the previous month, reflecting at least a partial pass-through of the cost increases suffered by carriers. Small businesses face increased difficulties, which can pose a risk to flows throughout the national territory.
On the economic front, May 2026 was marked by accelerating inflation. According to provisional data from INSEE, consumer prices rose by 2.4% in May 2026 year-on-year, after an increase of 2.2% in April and 1.7% in March. This trend is fuelled by rising energy and food prices. The price of gas, in particular, jumped by 15.4%.
Companies, already weakened, are suffering the repercussions of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which are disrupting supply chains and causing energy costs to skyrocket. The announced agreement between the United States and Iran, which should allow the unblocking of the Strait of Hormuz, raises hopes for a fall in energy prices. Oil prices fell the day after the memorandum of understanding was announced. However, prices will not return, at least not immediately, to the levels seen before the conflict. Restarting plants will require time. Moreover, in the East, the conflict in Ukraine remains a factor of lasting instability, with direct consequences for energy security and commodity prices in Europe.
Persistent pessimism in economic circles
The composite...
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