The average price of electricity in the European Union rose by 15% in the first half of 2022 against the background of the war in Ukraine, while the average price of natural gas shot up by 43.3%.
This is according to Eurostat data, according to which the average price of household electricity in the EU from €22.0 per 100 kWh increased to €25.3 per 100 kWh and the average price of natural gas from €6.4 per 100 kWh was set at €8.6 per 100 kWh.
Taxes and levies on final electricity and gas bills in the first half of 2022 fell significantly as member states implemented subsidies to reduce high energy costs. Compared to the first half of 2021, the average percentage of taxes on electricity bills decreased from 39% to 24% (-15.5%) and on natural gas bills from 36% to 27% (-8.6%).
Electricity prices by member-country
Household electricity prices increased in 22 EU Member States in the first half of 2022, compared to the first half of 2021. The largest increase (expressed in national currencies) was recorded in the Czech Republic (+62%), Latvia (+59 % ) and in Denmark (+57%).
In contrast, household electricity prices fell in five Member States: the Netherlands (-54%), Slovenia (-16%), Poland (-3%), Portugal and Hungary (both -1 %). The reductions in the Netherlands, Slovenia and Poland were linked to government subsidies and allowances, while in Hungary prices are regulated.
In euros, average household electricity prices in the first half of 2022 were lowest in the Netherlands (€5.9 per 100 kWh), Hungary (€9.5) and Bulgaria (€10.9) and highest in Denmark (€45.6), in Belgium (€33.8), in Germany (€32.8) and in Italy (€31.2).
Natural gas prices by member-country
In the first half of 2022 compared to the corresponding period of 2021 natural gas prices increased in 23 of the 24 EU Member States for which data are available.
Natural gas prices rose the most in Estonia (+154%), Lithuania (+110%) and Bulgaria (+108%). Only in Hungary did gas prices for residential consumers fall marginally over the same period, by 0.5% because prices are regulated.
In euros, average household gas prices in the first half of 2022 were lowest in Hungary (€2.9 per 100 kWh), Croatia (€4.1) and Latvia (€4.6) and highest in Sweden (€22.2), in Denmark (€16.0) and the Netherlands (€12.9).
