Economy

Diesel prices in the Netherlands have climbed sharply, rising nearly four cents and approaching the record set earlier this year. Petrol dips slightly, but both fuels remain near all‑time highs as oil markets fluctuate. The increase follows renewed instability in global oil markets, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions.

The Netherlands has dropped to 46th place in the World Economic Forum’s gender‑gap index, reflecting widening disparities in economic and political participation. Researchers warn that emancipation policy has stalled, allowing faster‑moving countries to overtake the Dutch.

Expanding domestic renewable energy could protect Dutch households from volatile foreign fuel markets, industry leaders argue. A new report warns that national climate targets are currently out of reach as progress on green energy stalls. Industry groups are now urging the government to deliver stable policies and infrastructure support to keep the transition affordable.

Schiphol Airport and airline KLM have welcomed new legal advice from the Council of State regarding proposed flight caps and noise reduction rules. While the aviation sector sees the decision as a positive step towards stability, environmental groups point out that ministers face renewed criticism over poorly supported regulations.

Amsterdam's AEX index opened virtually flat on Friday morning as cautious investors paused following three consecutive days of losses. Heavy focus turned to upcoming US inflation data for clues on central bank interest rate moves, amidst fresh market anxiety over rising oil prices driven by Middle East geopolitical tensions. Financial stocks provided the main bright spot for the index with gains of around 1 per cent, offsetting losses across information publishers and energy giant Shell.

Bijenkorf confirms that customer names, addresses, and phone numbers were exposed in the CEVA Logistics cyberattack. The retailer warns of phishing risks and says its webshop is now fully operational again.

The Consumers' Association is calling for a European ban on Meta’s Ray‑Ban camera glasses, saying the device can record people too easily and raises major privacy concerns.

Cosun reports a significant drop in sugar beet yields due to prolonged summer drought, lowering its sugar forecast and pushing back the start of processing to give crops more growing time.