Roundup: Rising energy prices weigh on Dutch households, economy

THE HAGUE, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, energy prices in the Netherlands have surged sharply, prompting several Dutch energy suppliers to adjust or withdraw fixed-price energy contracts. Research institutions have warned that persistently high energy costs could weigh on economic growth and push inflation higher in 2026.

Dutch TTF natural gas futures for April delivery rose 3.27 percent to 50.37 euros (58.45 U.S. dollars) per megawatt-hour on Thursday, up from 31.96 euros (37.09 dollars) last Friday, representing a 57.6 percent increase within four trading days.