Belgian households brace for higher heating and fuel costs amid CO2 pricing and oil price surge

The Flemish energy authority warns that upcoming CO2 emission charges under the EU ETS, higher fuel taxes and stricter building rules will raise the operating cost of fossil‑fuel heating. By 2028, CO2 emissions from gas and oil heating will be increasingly taxed, and by 2045 fossil fuels will no longer be tradable. Although nearly 70% of Flemish homes are ready for heat‑pump installation, only about 10% of renovating households currently choose green‑heat solutions. The agency advises early insulation upgrades and heat‑pump readiness to avoid future price burdens.

Separately, analysts at Rapidan Energy Group project that oil prices could remain elevated through the end of 2027 due to ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments. Prices as high as $175 per barrel are deemed plausible, far above recent levels around $128. Persistent high fuel costs will pressure motorists and increase transportation costs for goods, affecting everyday expenses for Belgian consumers.