Gas prices remain volatile as fixed contracts gain ground
The ACM warns of fluctuations in the gas market as more households opt for price certainty.
The Dutch gas market remains highly unsettled, which could affect household energy bills in the coming months. At the same time, the share of households with a fixed contract is growing, although the figures vary by measurement date and contract type.
The latest public Energy Monitor from the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) describes a volatile gas market. The wholesale price rose during the period measured from €41 per megawatt-hour at the end of June to a peak of €64 a month later, before falling back to around €60.
The ACM links the movements to the unrest around the Strait of Hormuz and uncertainty in the international gas market. For consumers, such a movement does not feed through everywhere immediately. Variable tariffs are often adjusted quarterly, while fixed contracts mainly respond when new contracts are offered.
Gas storage levels also play a role. According to the ACM, Dutch storage facilities were 41 per cent full during the period measured, compared with 61 per cent at the same time a year earlier. European rules require storage facilities to be at least 74 per cent full at the start of the heating season.
Contract choices are shifting in the meantime. The ACM reported that 55 per cent of households had a fixed contract, 37 per cent a variable contract and 8 per cent a dynamic contract. New fixed contracts were 5 to 11 per cent more expensive in July than a month earlier.
The figures are not directly comparable with those from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). In June, CBS reported on contracts in 2025 and put the figures at 53 per cent fixed contracts and 47 per cent variable contracts. The differences are due partly to the measurement period and to the fact that CBS and the ACM use different classifications and measurement methods.
For households, a fixed contract means greater price certainty, but also less benefit if the market price falls. A variable contract can become cheaper more quickly, but also more expensive more quickly. The ACM therefore emphasises that the effects depend on consumption, contract terms and the scope to absorb fluctuations; market developments do not lead to general advice in favour of one contract type.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The gas price rose and fell sharply during the ACM period.
- A majority of households had a fixed contract in the ACM measurement.
- Fixed, variable and dynamic contracts distribute price risk differently.
- The public figures relate to earlier measurement periods, not exactly to 10 October.
Left
Arguments Energy is a basic necessity. The government should prevent price fluctuations from getting low-income households into difficulty, for example through targeted compensation, better insulation and strict oversight of suppliers.
Values Affordability, security of livelihood and protection of vulnerable households.
Consequences More support could limit fuel poverty, but would cost public funds and could weaken the incentive to reduce consumption.
Centre
Arguments The government should focus mainly on organising transparency, effective oversight and sufficient storage. Support should be targeted at households demonstrably in difficulty, while consumers should be able to choose between different types of contract.
Values Efficiency, consumer protection and security of supply.
Consequences A targeted approach limits public costs, but requires reliable income and consumption data.
Right
Arguments Price movements give consumers and businesses a signal to reduce consumption, align contracts and invest in alternatives. The government should not structurally shield the market from risks.
Values Market forces, personal responsibility and long-term affordability.
Consequences Less general support preserves the market incentive, but households without a financial buffer are hit more quickly by a price spike.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The figures were checked directly with the ACM and CBS and consistently given the correct period. The article makes no personal recommendation and does not present future price movements as certain.
- confirmed The gas price rose during the ACM period from €41 to €64 per megawatt-hour and then fell to around €60. — ACM Energy Monitor. source
- confirmed Dutch gas storage facilities were 41 per cent full, compared with 61 per cent a year earlier. — ACM figures from the Energy Monitor. source
- confirmed The ACM reported 55 per cent fixed, 37 per cent variable and 8 per cent dynamic contracts. — ACM measurement covering the period described. source
- confirmed For 2025, CBS reported 53 per cent fixed and 47 per cent variable contracts. — CBS publication of 17 June 2026. source
Editor's note
The ACM figures for July and the CBS figures for 2025 have been confirmed, but do not provide an exact position for 10 October. The expectation for the coming months has therefore been phrased cautiously.Sources
- Energiemonitor ACM: toename aantal dynamische contracten zet door — Autoriteit Consument & Markt
- Weer meer vaste dan variabele energiecontracten — Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek
- Klanten kiezen voor vast energiecontract nu gasprijs blijft stijgen — RTL Z
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