Quarter of Dutch using less energy due to Middle East war
Rising energy prices due to the Middle East conflict have prompted a quarter of Dutch households to reduce gas and electricity consumption, a recent RTL Nieuwspanel survey shows. Most have lowered thermostats and are monitoring devices and lights to prevent unnecessary energy use.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) called the situation a major energy crisis and urged behavioral changes across member states, including the Netherlands, one of 32 members. Recommendations published yesterday include reducing highway speed limits by at least 10 kilometers per hour, promoting car sharing and public transport, encouraging remote work, and switching to electric stoves at home. The IEA also suggested governments consider license plate rotation schemes to limit vehicles on city streets.
“Governments can intervene to help consumers with energy bills during price hikes, as we saw in 2022. However, financial resources are limited, and it is crucial that measures target those who need it most,” the IEA report states.
According to the RTL survey, 55 percent of respondents believe the Dutch government should act immediately, while 39 percent favor waiting until high prices persist. Only 4 percent currently need support, and 53 percent say they do not require assistance. Another 38 percent would need help only if the high prices continue.
Internationally, governments have moved more quickly. Italy has introduced measures including lower fuel taxes. Greece implemented policies to prevent oil traders from profiting excessively. Spain announced a €5 billion support package, including reduced electricity taxes, financial aid for vulnerable households, and a temporary rent freeze pending parliamentary approval.
The Dutch cabinet has responded cautiously. Prime Minister Rob Jetten said that while the IEA’s recommendations are relevant for many countries, the Netherlands has already made significant energy-saving strides and is comparatively well-prepared. Ministers Stientje van Veldhoven (Climate and Green Growth) and Thierry Aartsen (Work and Participation) emphasized that there are currently no shortages.
Jetten noted that even if the war ended immediately, energy supplies would not return to normal right away, citing disrupted shipping routes and damaged refineries. Large-scale interventions remain an option but must focus on people and businesses in greatest need to avoid wasting taxpayer funds.
Public opinion is shifting toward reopening Groningen gas fields. Support for resuming drilling has grown from 34 to 43 percent since September, though 82 percent favor keeping the fields reserved for extreme emergencies. Among households struggling financially, 57 percent support using Groningen gas. JA21 has proposed legally designating Groningen gas as a strategic reserve, but the plan lacks a parliamentary majority.
The survey also shows that nearly six in ten drivers (58 percent) have attempted to save on fuel since the conflict began. Common strategies include choosing cheaper stations, reducing travel, or using alternative transportation. Jetten indicated that Dutch citizens can also take individual initiative in managing energy consumption.
On Monday, oil prices fell sharply following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Iran. Trump announced that the United States would pause attacks on Iranian energy facilities for the next five days while ongoing talks with Iran continue. Oil prices initially dropped about 10 percent after the announcement. Bloomberg reported a momentary decline of up to 14 percent, before stabilizing around a 10 percent drop and later falling roughly 8 percent.
European gas prices also fell significantly. On the Amsterdam gas exchange, prices dropped nearly €5 to around €55 per megawatt-hour. Volatility remains high for both oil and gas, which are still substantially higher than before the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran last month.
