Entrepreneurs in the small and medium-sized business sector are urging the Dutch government to act quickly to address rising energy and fuel costs, according to research by MKB-Nederland. The business association is calling for a structural reduction in energy and fuel prices, rather than temporary measures.
The organisation, which represents tens of thousands of businesses, said 80 per cent of surveyed SMEs have been forced to pass higher costs on to customers. “The result is that not only energy and fuel become more expensive, but other goods and services as well,” said MKB-Nederland chair Jacques Zeegers. He warned that many businesses could face losses within a few months due to high fuel costs and feel unsupported by the government.
“Many other countries are offering relief through excise or tax reductions, but the Dutch government is not taking similar steps,” Zeegers said. “The time for waiting is over.”
MKB-Nederland chair Jacco Vonhof also renewed his call on Sunday for rapid government measures to limit the economic impact of the conflict in Iran. Together with VNO-NCW, the organisation has previously proposed a temporary public fund to support companies facing liquidity problems. Such companies could borrow funds to cover costs over a period of several months.
Fuel prices have reached record levels in the Netherlands and are higher than anywhere else in Europe. High fuel taxes are driving many motorists to fill up in neighbouring countries such as Belgium and Germany, where prices are significantly lower. As a result, not only Dutch petrol stations but also other retailers are losing revenue.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
