Petrol in the Netherlands is expected to become more expensive from 2026, if the government goes forward with plans to end the temporary tax cap on fuel. This would cost drivers 25,8 cents per litre more from January 1 and up to 50 cents a litre in subsequent years.
Petrol tax cut in the Netherlands to be scrapped
In 2022, the government introduced lower taxes on petrol and energy to combat the rising cost of living in the Netherlands. However, with global fuel prices on the rise, the cabinet would need to spend 1,6 billion euros to continue the temporary scheme - too large an amount for a cabinet already splitting pennies.
According to Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Barry Madlener, this means that Dutch petrol prices are likely to increase by 25,8 cents per litre from 2026. A change in European rules could lead to a further price hike in 2027 and 2030 of 18,6 cents a litre. Fuel prices are currently sitting at around 2 euros per litre of Euro 95.
Concerns over affordability of mobility in the Netherlands
With the cabinet having previously promised to increase purchasing power, the rising petrol prices are not likely to endear the cabinet to voters. "Mobility must remain affordable, for everyone. We see that it is under pressure, we certainly share those concerns,” said Madlener. “I hope that the cabinet can do something about it, with the scarce resources we have."
However, the government has other measures that it wants to implement, from cheaper groceries and more affordable energy to cheaper childcare, reports AD. Many of the coalition parties are not willing to die on the hill of fuel prices at the chance of having to give up something else.
Petrol station owners are urging the government to intervene before fuel becomes too expensive for residents to afford, warning that drivers could refuel their cars for cheaper across the border, which could lead to the disappearance of stations in the Netherlands. The coalition parties have emphasised that the cost of fuel is important and will discuss it during the negotiations for the Spring Memorandum in April, but a decision will likely only be made closer to Budget Day (Prinsjesdag) in September.