The latest data from funeral-cost tracking service MPF is pointing to the cost of cremation in France soaring by as much as 35% in just two years.

The analysis points to energy prices, especially the price of natural gas as the primary culprit. The price of gas has skyrocketed amid the conflict in Ukraine, as the Western powers have sanctioned Russian energy firms, and mechanical issues arising from sanctions have forced the closure of gas pipelines to Europe.

20% of the cost of a funeral with cremation is attributable to gas. As a result of the energy crisis , analysts expect the cost of a funeral with cremation, which was €675 on average before the energy crisis, to €911.

Cremation has always been cheaper than burial, but as the energy crisis gets worse, the bills for cremation are expected to soar as funeral firms pass those exorbitant costs on to bereaved consumers.

Frederique Plaisant, president of the French Federation of Cremation said in an interview, “If the prices increase too much, it may become unaffordable for families to pay.” He added that if there is a sudden surge of price-conscious families choosing burial over cremation, there could arise a crisis of space in cemeteries.

In France, 40% of funerals are done via cremation.

Antony Fallourd, general manager of the Funéplus funeral service said, “There is real concern on the subject in the sector,” because a sudden sharp rise in prices could reinforce negative stereotypes of funeral companies, which are already often seen as “death profiteers.”