Netherlands gas heating costs expected to rise this winter

Gas heating costs for households in the Netherlands are expected to rise this winter. According to calculations by the research platform Geteld, the national average increase per household is approximately 139 euros compared to last winter.

Regional variations exist; for instance, households in De Fryske Marren may see an increase of 143 euros, while those in Helmond face a rise of 128 euros. In extreme scenarios involving a cold winter and high wholesale prices, costs could climb significantly higher. Wholesale gas prices have risen from roughly 26 euros per megawatt-hour at the end of 2025 to around 75-83 euros recently.

Several factors contribute to these rising costs, including lower gas storage levels and an increase in energy tax per cubic meter effective January 1. To assist low-income households, the Emergency Energy Fund (Noodfonds Energie) will open on January 4, offering compensation ranging from 120 to 1,800 euros.