Gas bills in the Netherlands are among the highest in Europe, with only the Swiss and Swedes spending more, according to an analysis by comparison website Energievergelijk.

The price of gas in the Netherlands is currently an average of 17.8 cents per kWh, including costs and taxes. But in the Netherlands’ neighbouring countries of Belgium and Germany the price is 9.3 cents and 11.9 cents respectively.

The high price in the Netherlands is due to taxes which, according to the website, account for 60% of the total fee, the highest percentage in Europe.

“Energy taxes are a charge to reduce the use of gas and stimulate the switch to electricity,” said the website’s energy expert Koen Kuijper. “Households which are gas free and have good insulation pay far lower energy taxes. However, many households cannot take the step to go gas free or reduce their gas consumption.”