The Dutch consumer confidence index showed its biggest drop in four years in March, falling from -24 to -30, according to national statistics agency CBS.

Consumers are particularly pessimistic about the economic climate in general, and are less willing to make major purchases, the CBS said.

The Dutch consumer confidence index reached its lowest point ever at -59 in October 2022 when Europe was hit by soaring energy prices following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Consumer confidence had been on an upward trend since then, despite falling again around April last year.  Now, however, rising energy prices following the war in the Middle East are having an impact, the CBS said.