Netherlands Inflation Rises Amid Middle East Tensions

2026-04-02 11:55:59

(MENAFN) The ongoing Middle East conflict has contributed to a rise in inflation in the Netherlands, reaching 2.7% year-on-year in March, according to preliminary data from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, as reported by Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Tuesday.

This increase follows a recent period of easing inflation. Higher oil prices per barrel are pushing up fuel costs, adding to the overall cost of living. Prices for other goods and services, including holiday flights and certain food items, are also expected to climb in the coming months.

Gas heating expenses are anticipated to rise as well, particularly for households entering new energy contracts. Companies have passed on higher costs for raw materials, packaging, and wages to consumers.

A comparable spike in living costs occurred in 2022, when rising gas prices amid the war in Ukraine increased household energy bills.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for global trade and energy—has been significantly disrupted since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran late last month, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes on US-linked bases in at least six Gulf nations. These disruptions to tanker traffic have already caused interruptions in global oil supplies, further driving up prices.

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