A bag of wood pellets purchased at Leclerc in August 2026 costs an average of 7.50 euros. This price, stable for several months, reflects a market that has regained its calm after the surge of 2022-2023. It remains to be seen whether this calm will last, and which parameters to monitor to anticipate the next heating season.
European Regulation on Deforestation and Wood Pellet Supply Chain
Competitors talk a lot about supply and demand, but a regulatory factor goes under the radar. The European regulation against deforestation comes into effect on December 30, 2026, for large and medium-sized wood operators. Small operators will follow on June 30, 2027.
In practical terms, this text requires players in the wood supply chain to prove that their raw materials do not contribute to deforestation. For pellet manufacturers, this means additional traceability obligations regarding the origin of the sawdust and wood chips used.
You may be wondering what this has to do with the price of a bag at Leclerc? Compliance comes at a cost. Certification, audits, documentation of the supply chain: these expenses will sooner or later be reflected in production prices. The extent of the increase will depend on the ability of French producers to adapt, knowing that the majority of pellets sold in France are produced locally from sawmill residues.
To follow the evolution of the price of wood pellets at Leclerc in 2026, it will be necessary to keep an eye on this regulatory calendar as well as on the curves of supply and demand.
MaPrimeRénov’ 2026 and Its Effect on Pellet Demand
Since January 1, 2026, standalone pellet boilers are no longer funded in the MaPrimeRénov’ pathway by gesture. Pellet stoves, however, remain eligible until December 31, 2026.
This distinction changes the market dynamics. Fewer boilers installed means, in the long run, slower growth in bulk pellet consumption. On the other hand, pellet stoves continue to find buyers, supported by the still available subsidies.
The effect on prices is twofold:
- The demand for bagged pellets (the format sold at Leclerc) remains strong among stove owners, keeping prices at their current level.
- The demand for bulk pellets could slow down with the decrease in new boiler installations, which would limit the pressures on overall supply.
- Households that might have opted for a pellet boiler could turn to other solutions (heat pumps, district heating), reducing pressure on the wood-energy sector.
The market for bagged pellets will remain tighter than that for bulk pellets in the coming months. For Leclerc customers, this means stable prices, with no significant drop expected.
Leclerc Pellet Prices: Concrete Guidelines for Purchase
The pallet of 66 bags of 15 kg represents the most common purchase format among individuals. In 2026, its price is around 380 to 420 euros depending on the retailers and the periods.
Why Buy in Summer Rather Than Autumn
The logic is simple. In summer, producers and distributors seek to clear their stocks before the new season. Demand is low, and prices are too. Starting in September, the trend reverses: orders flood in, logistics tighten, and prices rise.
Buying your pallet between May and August remains the best strategy to limit the bill. A difference of several dozen euros per pallet is regularly observed between summer and autumn.
Leclerc vs. Specialized Distributors
Leclerc offers pellets at competitive prices thanks to its low-price policy on everyday products. A 15 kg bag costs an average of 7.50 euros in August 2026.
Specialized distributors (wood trades, energy brands) charge similar prices for standard ranges but may offer certified pellets with a lower ash content or higher calorific value. DINplus or ENplus A1 certification guarantees cleaner combustion and better efficiency in your stove.
At Leclerc, check the bag label: the certification standard, moisture content, and ash content are the three indicators to look at before loading your trunk.
Wood Pellets in 2026: Stability or New Price Increase
The most likely scenario for the end of 2026 is a stability of prices with a slight seasonal tension in autumn. Several elements support this view.
French pellet production has increased in recent years. Industrial capacities have adapted after the 2022 crisis, when shortages drove prices beyond reasonable levels. Today, supply meets demand without major difficulties during the summer.
The price of gas and electricity remains an indirect factor. As long as these energies remain expensive, heating with pellets retains its economic advantage, which maintains demand. If energy prices were to drop significantly, some households might choose differently, but there is no indication of such a movement in the short term.
The only risk of a significant increase would come from a particularly harsh winter combined with logistical tensions (disrupted road transport, rising diesel prices). This scenario remains occasional and localized.
For a household consuming three to four pallets per season, the annual pellet bill in 2026 remains significantly lower than that of 2022-2023. The market has corrected, prices have normalized, and current signals do not point towards a new surge. The only variable is the European regulatory change at the end of the year, whose concrete effects on prices will likely not be felt until 2027.
