About 600,000 households in Croatia are expected to see higher natural gas bills when the heating season begins. Heating costs are projected to increase by around 7–8%, with wholesale price changes gradually passing through to retail tariffs. The impact is expected to vary depending on the supplier.
Dalibor Pudić of the Croatian Gas Association said wholesale gas prices have risen by approximately €4/MWh. With VAT included, that increase is expected to feed into household heating bills. For an average household consuming about 40 MWh of gas per year, the added cost is estimated at roughly €40 annually.
Potential support and household energy efficiency measures
Energy analysts said the government could partially cushion the effect through financial support of around €15 million. The support is described as aimed at offsetting part of the increase for consumers. Alongside any assistance, analysts highlighted energy efficiency steps households can take to reduce winter gas use.
The analysts noted that lowering indoor temperatures by 1–2°C can significantly reduce gas consumption over the winter season. This measure is presented as a way for households to limit heating-related spending.
Heating costs and inflation outlook
The projected rise in heating costs may add to inflationary pressure in the coming months. This comes even as overall price growth has recently shown signs of easing. Preliminary data for June indicate annual inflation at 4.5%.
