Dutch households are currently spending more money on energy and fuel than they did four years ago at the height of the 2022 energy crisis, according to new research.
Economists at ING analyzed customer payment data and found that while total bills have increased, higher wages have helped prevent a widespread financial crunch.
Across all income groups, families now spend an average of 6.1 percent of their income on energy and fuel, which remains a smaller share of their earnings than during the peak months of 2022.
Strong wage growth cushions higher bills
The report notes that despite weak overall consumer confidence across the Netherlands, household finances have remained relatively stable due to steady wage increases across the country.
Data from Statistics Netherlands has previously shown significant collective labor agreement pay raises, which have helped offset the broader rise in living costs for Amsterdam residents and the rest of the nation.
While initial geopolitical tensions and recent conflicts in the Middle East caused temporary spikes in energy prices, international oil prices have since settled below their previous record highs.
Bank analysts noted that early concerns about a severe secondary affordability crisis have largely diminished over recent months.
Impact on local Amsterdam residents
For residents in Amsterdam, where housing costs and municipal charges already take up a significant portion of monthly budgets, managing utility bills remains a central priority for everyday planning.
Although total spending on heating and vehicle fuel has risen, the broader Dutch labor market has kept most households financially resilient against sharp price shifts.
Economists expect energy costs to remain high relative to historical averages, making energy efficiency and household insulation key focal points for local homeowners and renters in the coming years.
