The Netherlands is one of the EU countries where gas prices have been highest in the first half of this year. On the other hand, the price of electricity has fallen more sharply here, reports the European statistical office Eurostat.
From January to June, the price of gas was 34% higher than the previous year and stood at almost 13 euros per kilowatt hour. Gas was only more expensive in Sweden (€ 22) and Denmark (€ 16). After the start of the war in Ukraine, the price rose rapidly. Hungary is the only EU country where gas became slightly cheaper during that time. This is due to government intervention.
It is different with electricity. The price fell by 54 percent in the Netherlands. It was the biggest drop of any EU country. Electricity only became cheaper in four other EU Member States in the first half of this year.
More and more families are facing high energy bills. Especially the high price of gas hurts. The government has already decided to take a number of measures. For example, a lower VAT rate on energy has been in effect since 1 July. The gas and electricity price cap will also come into effect at the beginning of next year. In view of this, families will receive an allowance of 190 euros in both November and December.
