Hmmm,they have you over a barrell-just like the oil companies-gasoline refiners have us.Yeah,we can say NO-and walk.They have a near monoply.Mailorder-pass on the item- or pay their price-not much you can do.I don't really see any ethical problem in their selling it for whatever they want.It isn't a necessity,nothing that would ruin your economy etc.Maybe you can have some here-in the USA-buy it mailorder and ship to you?I don't know what your duties are like-France has-had-some really high duties on various things coming from the USA.Luck,Charlie