The Mobility & Consumption Minute of March 2026 : soaring oil prices and the gardening market in France

In a fast-paced world, staying up to date with the latest trends is an asset. To help you keep up with the essential developments in the consumer and mobility market in France and Europe, find: the Consumption Minute and the Mobility Minute.

Every month, Flavien Neuvy, Economist and Director of the Cetelem Observatory, delivers 2 hot news in 1 minute, perfect for a coffee break! These trends cover 2 key markets for the company: mobility and retail.

This March 2026 edition of the Mobility & Consumption Minute highlights two key trends:

The consequences of rising oil prices on households’ mobility budgets
The dynamism of the gardening market in France, as well as the continued growth of the pet market

The Mobility Minute of March 2026

Oil prices: the impacts on mobility and purchasing power

Find the full analysis in the Mobility Minute below:

The rise in oil prices is a reminder of the extent to which global geopolitical balances can have immediate effects on the daily economy.

With the tensions observed around the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil transits, oil prices have risen sharply in recent months. In three months, they have increased by more than 50%, with direct repercussions on prices at the pump.

Diesel, for example, now exceeds 2 euros per litre, which increases the pressure on household budgets.

Which households are most at risk?

Two categories appear to be particularly vulnerable to the rise in fuel prices:

Low-income households, for whom mobility expenses represent a significant part of the budget
Households living in rural or peri-urban areas, more dependent on the private car for their daily journeys

Conversely, residents of large cities are more likely to have access to transport alternatives, such as public transport or active mobility.

Discover the latest Auto 2026 study by the Cetelem Observatory

With this new 2026 edition, we observe a worrying situation, we identify five levers that could create a healthy rebound in the automotive sector. An obligation, as the economic and social stakes are so high.

Find out about the latest Mobility study.

The Consumption Minute of March 2026

Gardening in France: a €7.7 billion market revived by spring

Find the full analysis in the Minute Conso below:

With the return of sunny days, gardening is once again a central part of household and living environment expenses.

In France, 58% of French people have a garden in their main or secondary residence. The gardening market is worth 7.7 billion euros, confirming its importance in the spring domestic economy.

Which segments are driving the market?

The gardening market is based on several pillars:

Plant-based products, which represent 20% of the total market
Outdoor equipment
Expenses related to the pleasure of the garden, such as the barbecue or the convivial layout of the outdoor spaces

Which distribution channels dominate?

Supermarkets specialising in gardening account for 42% of the market share, ahead of DIY supermarkets, which account for 35% of volumes.

E-commerce is still limited in this segment, with only 7% of the market, proof that advice, product visualization and seasonality still play an important role in purchasing behavior.

Find the new 2026 Consumer Study from the Cetelem Observatory

As early as 2016, we were interested in seniors with a study entitled “Towards the golden age of the silver economy?”. At the time, we were far from suspecting that the decline in the birth rate would accelerate to such an extent and that the question of demographic ageing would be so acute 10 years later.

Find out about the latest Consumption study.

FAQ – Mobility and Consumer Markets (March 2026)

Why does the rise in oil prices have a direct impact on households?

Because it is quickly reflected in prices at the pump, which increases the constrained expenses related to daily journeys.

Which households are most affected by the rise in fuel prices?

Low-income households and households living in rural or peri-urban areas are the most exposed, as they devote a larger share of their budget to mobility and are more dependent on the car.

Is the electric car becoming more attractive when oil prices rise?

Yes. When fossil fuels become more expensive, the electric car becomes more attractive, although other factors remain decisive, such as the purchase price or access to charging.

What is the weight of the gardening market in France?

The gardening market represents 7.7 billion euros in France.

How much of the gardening market is done online?

Online sales represent only 7% of the market, far behind physical specialized channels.

What is the weight of the pet market?

The pet market is worth 16.6 billion euros in France.