Monday 20 February 2023

Russia–Ukraine war has nearly doubled household energy costs worldwide—new study

The Russia–Ukraine War and Its Impact on Global Energy Costs The Russian annexation of Crimea and its ongoing aggression towards Ukraine has caused instability throughout the region and has had a direct effect on energy costs around the world. With increased geopolitical tensions, global energy prices have spiked, forcing many households to pay higher costs for heating, cooling, lighting, and mobility. In addition, these higher costs are also indirectly impacting other goods and services throughout global supply chains. As a result, households everywhere are feeling the pinch when it comes to their energy costs—a pinch that is hitting the most vulnerable households the hardest. It’s no secret that energy costs are higher during times of geopolitical unrest, but the Russia–Ukraine war has presented a unique situation. With an international state of anxiety about the future of the region, energy prices are increasing faster than usual, and the effects are being felt in countries around the world. In addition to the direct costs of higher energy prices, the costs of other goods and services throughout global supply chains are gradually increasing as well. For households, this translates to higher costs for the everyday necessities like heating, cooling, lighting, and mobility. But who is bearing the brunt of these higher costs? That depends on a household’s income, how they spend their money, and where their products are sourced. Lower income households are most affected, as they often have fewer resources to allocate to energy costs, and thus feel the pinch more acutely. Additionally, households who rely on energy-intensive products, such as those sourced from global supply chains, also tend to feel the effects of higher energy costs more severely. The good news is that there are potential solutions to help vulnerable households cope with higher energy costs. Targeted energy assistance programs, such as those that offer free heating and cooling to low-income households, can help those in need. But for these solutions to be effective, it’s important to know who is most affected, to what degree, and why. A deeper understanding of the socioeconomic and geographical factors that are contributing to higher energy costs is necessary in order to develop solutions that truly make a difference. The Russia–Ukraine war has had a dramatic impact on global energy costs. With households feeling the pinch of higher prices, it is essential that targeted energy assistance programs are developed and implemented to help those most affected. A better understanding of who is feeling the effects of this crisis—their income, how they spend their money, and where their products originate—is the first step towards enacting meaningful energy solutions. Without this understanding, vulnerable households will continue to be left behind in this time of crisis.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/russia-ukraine-war-has-nearly-doubled-household-energy-costs-worldwide-new-study

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