Average household electricity and gas prices in the EU fell in the first half of 2026, yet Romania recorded the largest increases in both cases, according to Eurostat figures published Friday and summarised by CursDeGuvernare.

The EU average electricity price fell 2.2% to €0.28/kWh, from €0.29/kWh in the second half of last year. Among member states, household tariffs range from €0.11/kWh in Hungary to €0.39/kWh in Ireland.

Compared with H1 2025, electricity prices in national currency rose most in Romania (+51.6%), followed by Ireland (+19.8%) and Finland (+18.4%). Sharp falls came in Denmark (−31.7%) and Luxembourg (−24.1%). In purchasing-power standards (PPS), the highest prices are in Romania (46.9 per 100 kWh), Poland (41.1) and Czechia (34.3).

For gas, the EU average fell to €0.11/kWh (−10.2% vs H2 2025, −3.5% vs H1 2025). Household prices run from €0.03/kWh in Hungary and €0.06/kWh in Romania up to €0.22/kWh in Sweden.

Versus H1 2025, gas fell in 12 states, rose in seven and stayed flat in four. Largest rises: Romania (+9.3%), Croatia (+8.9%), Slovakia (+6.6%). Largest falls: Bulgaria (−14.5%), Greece (−11.3%), Spain (−10%).

Image: high-voltage lines, Transylvania (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0).

Sources consulted: Energy price trends in Europe – Romania had the largest rises - CursDeGuvernare.