Ireland, Italy, and Germany had some of the highest household electricity prices worldwide, as of March 2025. At the time, Irish households were charged around 0.45 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour, while in Italy, the price stood at 0.43 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. By comparison, in Russia, residents paid almost 10 times less. What is behind electricity prices? Electricity prices vary widely across the world and sometimes even within a country itself, depending on factors like infrastructure, geography, and politically determined taxes and levies. For example, in Denmark, Belgium, and Sweden, taxes constitute a significant portion of residential end-user electricity prices. Reliance on fossil fuel imports Meanwhile, thanks to their great crude oil and natural gas production output, countries like Iran, Qatar, and Russia enjoy some of the cheapest electricity prices in the world. Here, the average household pays less than 0.1 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, countries heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports for electricity generation are more vulnerable to market price fluctuations.

Graph and download economic data for Global price of Energy index (PNRGINDEXM) from Jan 1992 to Jun 2025 about energy, World, indexes, and price.

The South China coal spot price reached an average of 120.65 U.S. dollars per metric ton in 2023. The peak price in the period of consideration was reached in 2022 at 177.78 U.S. dollars per metric ton as a result of growing energy demand when the world economy recovered from the coronavirus pandemic-induced slump.

The global energy price index stood at around 101.5 in 2024. Energy prices were on a decreasing trend that year, and forecasts suggest the price index would decrease below 80 by 2026. Price indices show the development of prices for goods or services over time relative to a base year. Commodity prices may be dependent on various factors, from supply and demand to overall economic growth. Electricity prices around the world As with overall fuel prices, electricity costs for end users are dependent on power infrastructure, technology type, domestic production, and governmental levies and taxes. Generally, electricity prices are lower in countries with great coal and gas resources, as those have historically been the main sources for electricity generation. This is one of the reasons why electricity prices are lowest in resource-rich countries such as Iran, Qatar, and Russia. Meanwhile, many European governments that have introduced renewable surcharges to support the deployment of solar and wind power and are at the same time dependent on fossil fuel imports, have the highest household electricity prices. Benchmark oil prices One of the commodities found within the energy market is oil. Oil is the main raw material for all common motor fuels, from gasoline to kerosene. In resource-poor and remote regions such as the United States' states of Alaska and Hawaii, or the European country of Cyprus, it is also one of the largest sources for electricity generation. Benchmark oil prices such as Europe’s Brent, the U.S.' WTI, or the OPEC basket are often used as indicators for the overall energy price development.

Household electricity prices vary significantly around the world. In March 2025, the price of electricity was below 0.1 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour in countries which rely on nationally produced fossil fuels for electricity generation, while it exceeded 0.4 U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour where the power sector is dependent on energy imports.

This dataset provides values for ELECTRICITY PRICE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

In September 2024, industrial electricity prices in the European countries of Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom were among the highest in the world, at around **** U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. Singapore was the Asian country with the highest electricity bill worldwide at that time. Lowest electricity prices in the world The average retail electricity price in the United States was considerably lower than in most of Europe. Iceland was the European country with one of the lowest electricity bills for enterprises that month. At the bottom of the ranking were also Russia, Iraq, Qatar, Argentina, and Libya. In these countries, commercial electricity prices amounted to less than *** U.S. dollars per kilowatt-hour. Household electricity prices In addition, European countries had the highest household electricity prices worldwide that month, with Italy at the top of the ranking. By comparison, Iran and Ethiopia had the lowest residential electricity prices in the world.

Electricity prices in Europe are expected to remain volatile through 2025, with Italy projected to have some of the highest rates among major European economies. This trend reflects the ongoing challenges in the energy sector, including the transition to renewable sources and the impact of geopolitical events on supply chains. Despite efforts to stabilize the market, prices in countries like Italy are forecast to reach ****** euros per megawatt hour by February 2025, indicating persistent pressure on consumers and businesses alike. Natural gas futures shaping electricity costs The electricity market's future trajectory is closely tied to natural gas prices, a key component in power generation. Dutch TTF gas futures, a benchmark for European natural gas prices, are projected to be ***** euros per megawatt hour in July 2025. The reduced output from the Groningen gas field and increased reliance on imports further complicate the pricing landscape, potentially contributing to higher electricity costs in countries like Italy. Regional disparities and global market influences While European electricity prices remain high, significant regional differences persist. For instance, natural gas prices in the United States are expected to be roughly one-third of those in Europe by March 2025, at **** U.S. dollars per million British thermal units. This stark contrast highlights the impact of domestic production capabilities on global natural gas prices. Europe's greater reliance on imports, particularly in the aftermath of geopolitical tensions and the shift away from Russian gas, continues to keep prices elevated compared to more self-sufficient markets. As a result, countries like Italy may face sustained pressure on electricity prices due to their position within the broader European energy market.

Energy Prices Taxes contains a major international compilation of energy prices of OECD countries: including crude oil and oil product spot prices, import costs by crude stream, industry prices and consumer prices. The end-user prices cover the main petroleum products, gas, coal and electricity. Every issue includes full notes on sources and methods and a description of price mechanisms in each country. Time series availability varies with each data series.

Abstract

Energy price inflation is an important metric to inform economic policy but traditional sources of consumer prices are often produced with delay during crises and only at an aggregate level. This may poorly reflect the actual price trends in rural or poverty-stricken areas, where large populations reside in fragile situations. This data set includes energy price estimates and is intended to help gain insight in price developments beyond what can be formally measured by traditional methods. The estimates are generated using a machine-learning approach that imputes ongoing subnational price surveys, often with accuracy similar to direct measurement of prices. The data set provides new opportunities to investigate local price dynamics in areas where populations are sensitive to localized price shocks and where traditional data are not available.

Geographic coverage notes

The data cover the following sub-national areas: Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Faryab, Paktya, Ghazni, Ghor, Hilmand, Hirat, Nangarhar, Jawzjan, Kabul, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Kunduz, Laghman, Logar, Wardak, Nimroz, Nuristan, Paktika, Panjsher, Parwan, Samangan, Sar-e-pul, Takhar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Market Average, Armavir, Ararat, Aragatsotn, Tavush, Gegharkunik, Shirak, Kotayk, Syunik, Lori, Vayotz Dzor, Yerevan, Kanifing Municipal Council, Central River, Upper River, West Coast, North Bank, Lower River, Bafata, Tombali, Cacheu, Sector Autonomo De Bissau, Biombo, Oio, Gabu, Bolama, Quinara, Anbar, Babil, Baghdad, Basrah, Diyala, Dahuk, Erbil, Ninewa, Kerbala, Kirkuk, Missan, Muthanna, Najaf, Qadissiya, Salah al-Din, Sulaymaniyah, Thi-Qar, Wassit, Attapeu, Bokeo, Bolikhamxai, Champasack, Houaphan, Khammouan, Louangphabang, Louangnamtha, Oudomxai, Phongsaly, Salavan, Savannakhet, Sekong, Vientiane Capital, Vientiane, Xaignabouly, Xiengkhouang, Akkar, Mount Lebanon, Baalbek-El Hermel, North, Beirut, Bekaa, El Nabatieh, South, Nimba, Grand Kru, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Grand Bassa, Rivercess, Montserrado, River Gee, Lofa, Bomi, Bong, Sinoe, Maryland, Margibi, Grand Gedeh, Abia, Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Oyo, Sokoto, Zamfara, Lagos, Adamawa, Shabelle Hoose, Juba Hoose, Bay, Banadir, Shabelle Dhexe, Gedo, Hiraan, Woqooyi Galbeed, Awdal, Bari, Juba Dhexe, Togdheer, Nugaal, Galgaduud, Bakool, Sanaag, Mudug, Sool, , Warrap, Unity, Jonglei, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile, Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Lakes, Aleppo, Dar'a, Quneitra, Homs, Deir-ez-Zor, Damascus, Ar-Raqqa, Al-Hasakeh, Hama, As-Sweida, Rural Damascus, Tartous, Idleb, Lattakia, Al Dhale'e, Aden, Al Bayda, Al Maharah, Lahj, Al Jawf, Raymah, Al Hudaydah, Hajjah, Amran, Shabwah, Dhamar, Ibb, Sana'a, Al Mahwit, Marib, Hadramaut, Sa'ada, Amanat Al Asimah, Socotra, Taizz, Abyan

Middle Eastern and African countries had the cheapest electricity prices worldwide in December 2024. Namely, the electricity price for Iran's households was only 0.4 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity. Ethiopia, Syria, Cuba, and Sudan also had some of the lowest electricity prices worldwide that month.

This dataset provides values for ENERGY PRICES. reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

United States EIA Forecast: Electricity Price: Retail: Commercial Sector data was reported at 10.525 0.01 USD/kWh in Dec 2019. This records a decrease from the previous number of 10.693 0.01 USD/kWh for Nov 2019. United States EIA Forecast: Electricity Price: Retail: Commercial Sector data is updated monthly, averaging 10.623 0.01 USD/kWh from Mar 2016 (Median) to Dec 2019, with 46 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.168 0.01 USD/kWh in Sep 2019 and a record low of 9.844 0.01 USD/kWh in Jan 2017. United States EIA Forecast: Electricity Price: Retail: Commercial Sector data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Energy Information Administration. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.P003: Energy Price: Forecast: Energy Information Administration.

United States EIA Forecast: Electricity Price: Retail: Residential Sector data was reported at 13.027 0.01 USD/kWh in Dec 2019. This records a decrease from the previous number of 13.488 0.01 USD/kWh for Nov 2019. United States EIA Forecast: Electricity Price: Retail: Residential Sector data is updated monthly, averaging 13.050 0.01 USD/kWh from Mar 2016 (Median) to Dec 2019, with 46 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13.716 0.01 USD/kWh in Sep 2019 and a record low of 12.002 0.01 USD/kWh in Jan 2017. United States EIA Forecast: Electricity Price: Retail: Residential Sector data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Energy Information Administration. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.P003: Energy Price: Forecast: Energy Information Administration.

This dataset provides values for ENERGY PRICES. reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

This dataset provides values for ELECTRICITY PRICE reported in several countries. The data includes current values, previous releases, historical highs and record lows, release frequency, reported unit and currency.

Global Energy Prices: 33 years of historical data from 1992 to 2025.