300,000 Dutch households face severe impact from energy crisis

Around 300,000 households in the Netherlands are expected to be hit especially hard by the current energy crisis, according to new research from the Dutch Central Planning Bureau (CPB).

Households with low incomes and high energy costs could see their purchasing power fall by as much as 6%, while people earning up to the median income may lose up to 4%.

The groups most at risk include families living in poorly insulated homes with high gas consumption and people on low incomes who rely heavily on their cars for work or daily travel. Rising gas, petrol, and diesel prices are placing additional pressure on household budgets.

Although the average Dutch household is expected to experience a relatively limited decline in purchasing power, the CPB warns that vulnerable groups will feel the effects much more strongly.

The government has expanded support measures, including funding for the Temporary Energy Emergency Fund and additional investment in home insulation and sustainability programs.

The CPB said that improving the energy efficiency for homes remains the most effective long-term solution for reducing energy costs and protecting lower-income households from future price shocks.