Netherlands: Majority concerned over rising fuel prices

A majority of Dutch citizens are concerned about rising fuel prices resulting from the Iran-Iraq war, according to a survey conducted by Kieskompas in collaboration with ANP. Over 60 percent of respondents expressed worry regarding the impact of these price increases on their personal finances.

Concerns are particularly high among voters of certain political parties, such as 50Plus, PVV, and BBB, where more than three-quarters of respondents reported anxiety over fuel affordability. Conversely, voters for Partij voor de Dieren reported the lowest levels of concern.

Martien Visser, a lecturer in energy transition at Hanzehogeschool Groningen, noted that the rising costs disproportionately affect low-income individuals who rely on cars and cannot easily transition to electric vehicles or other alternatives. Visser also highlighted that even those without vehicles may feel the impact, as supermarkets are likely to pass increased fuel costs on to consumers.