In February 2018, households expenditure on goods soared (+2.4%) in volume, after a two-month decline (−1.9% in January and −1.2% in December). This recovery in consumption was mainly due to a rebound in heating expenses. Food purchases and clothing expenses were also on the rise.

Energy consumption surged (+8.9%), after a sharp decline in January (−6.4%). Heating expenses (gas and electricity) went up strongly, driven by cold waves that brought average temperatures in February more than two degrees below seasonal norms. This cold month followed the mildest January since 1900. Furthermore, refined product consumption rebounded (+1.6% after −3.5%), notably domestic heating oil.