Mobility

The Dutch government is finalising a new package of energy measures, including subsidies for electric vehicle purchases and relief for households struggling with energy costs. Ministers are now consulting with opposition parties to secure support for the proposals before an official presentation on Monday.

Oil prices plunged by approximately 11% on Friday following the announcement that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened to commercial shipping. The strategic waterway, which carries 20% of the world's oil, had been largely closed by Iran during recent hostilities, causing significant market volatility. This de-escalation led US crude to fall to $83.30 and Brent crude to $87.90 a barrel, while European gas prices also dropped by nearly 8% as fears of a prolonged energy supply crisis began to fade.

Healthcare professionals are increasingly declining extra shifts as high fuel prices make commuting financially unviable. The professional body NU'91 has warned that current travel reimbursements are failing to cover costs, effectively forcing staff to pay to work. To combat rising stress and frustration among workers, the organisation is calling for mileage rates to be aligned with petrol prices and for smarter scheduling to reduce unnecessary travel.

Traffic deaths in the Netherlands rose to 759 in 2025, with cyclists, especially older men, among the most affected. CBS figures show a sharp increase in male fatalities and growing concerns about road safety investment.

The Dutch railway safety system is ageing faster than expected, forcing the government to accelerate the transition to ERTMS. Replacement parts may become scarce by 2035, and billions in additional funding will be needed to keep the network running safely.

A study by the Dutch Data Protection Authority suggests that automated scanning cars may be wrongly fining half a million drivers each year. The technology often fails to recognise legal activities, such as loading goods or displaying disabled permits. The watchdog is now calling for a return to traditional patrols to prevent further financial errors.

Diesel prices at Dutch forecourts have surged to record highs, with the recommended price for a litre of diesel jumping by more than 10 cents on Friday to reach €2.793. This sharp increase follows a spike in global oil prices and wholesale diesel costs, which hit $200 a barrel for the first time since 2022 due to the escalating conflict in Iran. With US President Donald Trump warning of a further crackdown on Iran and fuel tankers being forced to take longer, more expensive routes, experts suggest that high demand and supply disruptions will continue to keep pump prices at unprecedented levels for the foreseeable future.

The aviation industry faces potential flight cancellations within six weeks if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, as trade association BARIN warns of an impending kerosene shortage. While major hubs like Schiphol currently have sufficient stocks, long-haul intercontinental flights are expected to be the first cut to conserve fuel if the vital shipping route stays blocked. With Southeast Asian nations already buying up European supplies to offset their own regional shortages, experts suggest that smaller airports across Europe and the UK could soon struggle to secure fuel, even as major carriers like KLM and Ryanair begin drafting contingency plans for disrupted deliveries in May.