DUTCH consumers and companies have recently felt the pinch of soaring energy bills, with gas prices now almost eight times higher than they were one year ago. “There is clearly a problem,” said Gerard Spierenburg, spokesperson for the Dutch Consumers’ Association. “Something has to be done. According to a conservative estimate, consumers’ energy bills will increase by 500 to 1,000 euros (US$580-US$1,160) next year.” Frits de Groot, a manager in charge of energy and climate at the largest Dutch employers’ organization VNO-NCW, shared the same concern. “It is a problem for citizens and also for companies when they have a variable contract or when the current contract expires,” said De Groot. “Because in both cases their energy prices rise directly to the level of the current much higher prices.” The Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics on Oct. 7 reported that the inflation rate was 2.7 percent higher in September than a year ago. The main contributor to the higher inflation was a rise in the prices of electricity, gas and other fuels. Energy was 19.4 percent more expensive in September than in the previous year, while in August, the year-on-year price increase was 13.7 percent. In addition, higher motor fuel prices also had an upward effect on inflation. Gas prices now are almost eight times higher than one year ago in the Netherlands. Many Dutch companies have run into problems because of higher energy costs. For instance, companies in the metal sector are in trouble because the costs of production are higher than what they earn from their products.(Xinhua) | 