The wood pellet market in France has shown unusual stability since the beginning of 2026. Summer prices, which traditionally decline, have hardly changed compared to spring. For households heating with pellets and relying on Leclerc as their point of purchase, the question of the right time to stock up is more pressing than in previous years.
Price differences for pellets based on purchase format in August 2026
The available data for August 2026 allows us to measure the actual cost of each format. The 15 kg bag averages at €7.50 in supermarkets, while the pallet of 66 bags (990 kg) is around €429 on a national average. Bulk pellets are priced at €430.
| Format | Quantity | Average Price (August 2026) | Price per kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single 15 kg bag | 15 kg | €7.50 | €0.50 |
| Pallet of 66 bags | 990 kg | €429 | €0.43 |
| Bulk (ton) | 1,000 kg | €430 | €0.43 |
The difference between the single bag and the pallet represents about a 14% additional cost per kilogram. For a household consuming two tons per season, buying in individual bags rather than in pallets would mean spending nearly €140 more over the year.
When analyzing the price of Leclerc pellets in 2026, the in-store prices follow this national grid, with local variations due to transportation costs. Stores in the southwest (Bordeaux, Toulouse) show prices close to €419 per pallet, while the Paris region exceeds €475.
Why the seasonal decline in pellets did not occur in 2026
Previous summers offered a window of 5 to 15% decline in prices between April and August. In 2026, prices remained flat: the bulk ton rose from €426 in April to €430 by mid-August, indicating almost stagnation.
Three factors explain this rigidity.
- Production costs have not decreased. The raw materials (sawdust, sawmill by-products) remain under pressure, and fuel surcharges imposed by transporters keep logistics costs high.
- Summer demand has been stronger than usual: an increasing number of households are anticipating their purchases as early as spring, smoothing out the historical seasonality of the market.
- Certified pellets (ENplus A1, FSC/PEFC labels) are gaining market share over non-certified products, which drives average prices up since certification commands a premium.
This absence of a summer dip changes the game for buyers who were waiting for a price signal to fill their silo or garage.
ENplus A1 Certification: An Often Underestimated Price Criterion at Leclerc
Most comparisons focus solely on the price per bag. They overlook a parameter that directly impacts the actual heating efficiency: the certified quality of the pellet.
The ENplus A1 certification imposes strict thresholds on moisture, ash content, mechanical durability, and calorific value. A pellet that meets these thresholds burns more completely, clogs the appliance less, and produces more heat per kilogram. The additional cost at purchase is partly offset by lower consumption over the season.
A decree published on May 8, 2025 (effective May 24, 2025) has tightened quality requirements for biomass fuels sold to individuals and installations under 1 MW. This regulation reinforces the importance of choosing bags with recognized certification rather than seeking the lowest price on the shelf.
At Leclerc, several brands coexist on the shelf. Not all are ENplus A1 certified. Checking the certification logo on the bag remains the most cost-effective action before loading a pallet into the trunk.
Annual Pellet Budget 2026: What a Typical Household Pays
For a 100 m² house with average insulation, the annual consumption is around two tons of pellets. At the August 2026 prices, this represents a budget of approximately €860 per year for a pallet.
In contrast, purchasing exclusively in single bags would raise this budget to about €1,000. The €140 difference alone justifies the logistical effort of obtaining a full pallet, even if it requires a suitable vehicle or delivery.
Regional discrepancies also play a role. Between Toulouse and Paris, the difference exceeds €50 per pallet, which translates to over €100 on annual consumption. A household in the Île-de-France region thus has a strong incentive to compare prices among several Leclerc points of sale in their area, or even to explore drive-thrus that sometimes offer prices aligned with the cheapest stores in the region.
Pellet Price Forecasts for Late 2026: What to Watch Before Winter
The absence of a summer decline suggests that prices will remain stable or slightly increase as winter approaches. The plateau observed since April shows no signs of breaking downward.
Two variables could shift the trend. The first is meteorological: a mild autumn would delay demand and could create a short window of lower prices in October. Conversely, an early cold snap would put pressure on stocks and cause a temporary increase.
The second is structural: the rise of certified pellets, combined with the regulatory requirements of 2025, pushes producers toward higher-quality ranges. This trend supports prices rather than driving them down.
For Leclerc buyers, the message is clear: waiting until September or October in hopes of a floor price carries a higher risk than in 2024 or 2023. The data from August 2026 shows a market that no longer declines in summer, and the likelihood of a significant drop before the heating season remains low.