Gas prices keep rising, where will it end? ‘It is deafeningly quiet in The Hague’

Natural gas prices in the Netherlands have surged past 2 euros per cubic meter, marking an 80 percent increase compared to the start of the year. This sharp rise is primarily attributed to heightened military tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Unlike previous energy crises, the Dutch government currently has no price ceiling in place, leaving households to face the full impact of these costs directly. For many families, monthly energy expenses could rise by 100 to 150 euros as annual contracts expire.

Despite the price hike, there is no threat of gas shortages, as national reserves are adequately filled at 67 percent. Experts suggest that while these reserves ensure supply, they do not lower costs because the gas was purchased at high market rates. Households are advised to focus on home insulation or consider temporary variable contracts in case global tensions de-escalate, as locking in current peak rates may prove costly if prices eventually drop.