Dutch people spend hundreds of thousands more on fuel across the Belgian and German borders
Dutch residents significantly increased fuel purchases across the borders in Belgium and Germany during early 2026, leading to a 32 percent rise in cross-border spending. This shift appears linked to lower fuel prices in neighboring countries compared to the Netherlands, where domestic transaction volumes at gas stations have slightly declined.
According to data from De Nederlandsche Bank, Dutch motorists increasingly crossed borders into Germany and Belgium to refuel during the first half of 2026. This trend, likely driven by significant price disparities resulting from global fuel cost increases, saw the number of card transactions by Dutch residents at foreign gas stations rise by 20 percent. In total, these cross-border purchases amounted to 1.5 billion euros, representing a 32 percent increase compared to the previous year, while domestic transaction volumes at Dutch stations declined by 3 percent.
Belgium maintains maximum price caps, and Germany recently introduced fuel tax reductions, making both countries significantly cheaper for consumers than the Netherlands. With fuel prices in the Netherlands remaining high due to market conditions and heavy taxation, local station operators are expressing concern about the long-term impact on their businesses. While these findings reflect card payments and include ancillary spending at station shops, they highlight a clear shift in consumer behavior as Dutch drivers seek relief from higher domestic fuel costs.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
