Dutch consumers increase cross-border fuel and grocery spending

Data from De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) reveals a significant increase in Dutch consumers traveling abroad to save on costs. In the first half of 2026, the number of card payments made by Dutch motorists at gas stations in Belgium and Germany rose by 20 percent compared to the previous year.

These cross-border transactions totaled 25 million, amounting to approximately 1.5 billion euros. The increase was particularly pronounced in Belgium, where card payments rose by 33 percent to 11.3 million. In Germany, payments increased by 11 percent to 14.2 million. This trend is driven by higher fuel taxes and excise duties in the Netherlands, making neighboring countries significantly cheaper.

Beyond fuel, there is a growing trend of cross-border grocery shopping. Research from EFMI Business School indicates that Dutch consumers spend an estimated 2.1 billion euros annually on groceries in Germany and Belgium, resulting in an estimated loss of 340 to 380 million euros in tax revenue for the Netherlands. The trend is expected to continue, potentially exacerbated by proposed domestic sugar taxes.