Gas price increase takes effect

Since November 1, the reference price for gas has risen by 6.6%, from 182.88 to 194.90 euros per megawatt-hour, inclusive of tax. This follows a 6.3% increase in October and is attributed to rising prices on the supply side of the market.

Impact on household bills

The increase adds approximately 12 euros to the average monthly gas bill, according to Service-Public. However, only those with contracts tied to the reference price are directly affected. Fixed-price contracts remain unaffected as long as their terms stay the same.

Long-term gas cost outlook

If market conditions remain stable, the Energy Regulation Commission estimates that the average gas bill in 2026 could be about 11% higher than in 2025, or around 135 euros more inclusive of tax. This increase is part of a trend of rising costs for gas consumers over the year.

New customs and processing fees

Since November 1, an additional 2 euros in processing fees per item category is charged on packages shipped from outside the European Union, in addition to the existing 3 euros in customs duty for items under 150 euros. This applies regardless of the package’s total value.

Example of the new fees

For instance, a 20 euro t-shirt shipped from China incurs 3 euros in customs duty and 2 euros in processing fees, totaling 5 euros. If two t-shirts are in the same package, they still count as one category, resulting in the same 5 euros. However, a t-shirt and a toy in the same parcel count as two categories, leading to 10 euros in charges.

Impact on small purchases

The added fees can significantly affect small purchases. For a 5 euro t-shirt, the 5 euros in fees represent 100% of the item’s price, before import VAT or carrier fees. Platforms may absorb some costs or adjust their pricing strategies, but the overall economic burden remains.

Consumer perception of costs

While 12 euros for gas or 2 euros in processing fees might seem small individually, their combined effect is more noticeable. For households that rely on low-cost platforms, these additional costs can have a more significant proportional impact on their budgets.

Government response and aid

The government has renewed a 100 euro aid program for affected workers for the last three months of the year and introduced several protective measures. However, the new fees and gas price increases highlight a contradiction in addressing the purchasing power crisis while implementing policies that raise visible consumption costs.

Legal and practical distinctions

The gas price increase is due to rising supply costs and is not a new tax. In contrast, the fees on small packages are a European regulation meant to fund inspections and level the playing field for European trade. Although legally distinct, these costs are not clearly differentiated for consumers at the time of payment.