Dutch say they won’t bring in energy-saving measures – yet

The IEA said the conflict has triggered the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market and suggested governments and consumers worldwide cut back on energy use.

Ideas included working from home more often, lowering speed limits at least 10 kph, cooking on alternative sources of heat, and reducing car use.

Employment minister Thierry Aartsen said the cabinet will not advise people to work from home. “People should decide for themselves where and how they work, together with their employer,” the minister said. “It would be a bad idea for the government to interfere in that.”

Infrastructure minister Vincent Karremans said the government is not considering lowering the maximum speed limit or restricting traffic. “There is no reason to do so,” he said, adding that the IEA advice is intended for situations where there are serious shortages. “That is not the case in the Netherlands.”

Karremans said he understood that high fuel prices are “difficult” for many households, but warned that tax cuts would have to be paid for with public money.

Finance minister Eelco Heinen said the global situation remains uncertain, making it difficult to decide on the right response. He said the impact so far is less severe than after the start of the war in Ukraine, which had a bigger effect on energy prices in the Netherlands.

Heinen will debate possible measures with parliament next week.

The cabinet has outlined options in a letter to MPs, including an emergency fund, energy allowances, a temporary cut in energy tax or a price cap, but said that these are only being explored in case the conflict continues and the effects worsen.