The ongoing conflict in Iran has led to a rise in energy prices; however, Dutch households have so far experienced only a limited impact on their energy bills. During the first half of the year, the average monthly energy cost for families remained steady at around €160. Despite the increase in gas prices, electricity costs have stayed relatively stable, closely aligning with levels from previous years.
This stability in energy expenses is particularly noticeable for households renewing their energy contracts, as they are often able to secure rates similar to what they have paid in the past. Such conditions have contributed to keeping overall energy costs manageable, contrasting sharply with the sharp increase in household energy payments witnessed during the 2022 energy crisis, which followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
On the other hand, fuel expenses have seen more significant increases. Between March and July, Dutch households spent, on average, approximately €765 at petrol stations. This marks an increase from the €708 spent during the same period in the previous year.
The discrepancy between the smaller rise in overall fuel spending and the increase in pump prices could indicate that some households are adapting by driving less or opting for more affordable fuel stations to cope with the higher costs.