Just like in the rest of Europe, the considerably higher lifespan in the Netherlands is the result of the sharply increased prices for gas and electricity, says CBS. They are now 88 percent higher than last year. And those higher energy prices also filter through to food, drink and tobacco. They became almost 11 percent more expensive in August compared to last year.
The Dutch government is discussing how it can compensate for the longer lifespan, because for many Dutch people the increased costs for basic products threaten to become unsustainable. After a marathon meeting on Tuesday evening, an agreement was reached on the budget, but details have not yet leaked out. We have to wait until Prinsjesdag, within three weeks. The Council of State must first review the plans.