The Dutch government will activate the first phase of its energy crisis plan on Monday, news agency ANP reported on Saturday, citing government sources, as authorities respond to ongoing disruption in energy markets. It would be the first time the Netherlands has formally triggered the plan.
The initial phase does not indicate an immediate physical shortage of energy, but is intended to step up market monitoring and prepare the government for further action if conditions worsen. Dutch media reports said ministers are also working on possible support measures to cushion households and businesses from rising energy costs.
The move comes after renewed turmoil in global energy markets linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Middle East crisis, which has pushed up concerns in Europe over fuel supply security and prices. The International Energy Agency has also been tracking emergency responses by governments to the latest energy shock.
The Dutch crisis framework was originally developed during the 2022 European energy shock that followed Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Under the current step, the government is expected to remain in a preparatory mode rather than impose direct restrictions on consumers.
