Energy crisis driving up cremation costs in France – Reports
Soaring energy prices have been driving up costs for cremation in France, with prices expected to rise by more than a third next year, media reported on Thursday.
French news channel BFMTV cited estimates of funeral cost tracking service MPF which show that the price of gas accounts for 15 per cent to 25 per cent of the funeral price.
Cremation costs may reportedly rise 35% next year to an average of 911 euros ($887).
Cremation costs ranged between 605 and 675 euros before energy shortages became a problem.
Cremation has until recently been a cheaper alternative to burial but large funeral firms, which are not eligible for energy subsidies, are expected to pass the bills for the soaring gas prices on to the bereaved.