![\"Self](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/self-service-bakery-in-argos-greece-credit-nikoslikomitros-wikimedia-commons-cc0-10.jpg\")
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Self service bakery in Argos, Greece<\/a>. Credit: NikosLikomitros \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC0 1.0<\/p>\n Higher energy bills are pushing Greeks to cut spending on food or health care, according to a European Investment Bank survey released Thursday. More than half of respondents reported making those sacrifices, showing how energy costs are affecting basic household needs<\/a>.<\/p>\n The survey found<\/a> 52% had reduced such expenses, compared with 38% across the European Union. Another 41% said they had turned down the heating at home, while 33% reported going into debt, seeking financial help or delaying payment of an energy bill. That last figure was the highest among EU countries, more than double the bloc\u2019s 16% average.<\/p>\n Rising gas, electricity, heating oil and vehicle fuel prices had significantly weakened purchasing power for 78% of Greeks over the past year, against an EU average of 60%. Nearly a third, 32%, described the impact as very significant.<\/p>\n \u201cGreek households are among those hardest hit by rising energy prices in Europe,\u201d said EIB Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris.<\/p>\n Greeks report cuts in food or health spending as energy bills rise<\/p>\n The pressure has also changed how people travel. About 74% of Greeks said higher prices had affected their car use, the highest share in the EU. Forty-five percent reported reducing journeys for routine needs, including shopping and medical appointments. For comparison, 60% across the EU reported changing car use, and 31% said they had cut trips for basic needs.<\/p>\n Rising energy prices force Greeks to reconsider spending on food. Credit: Greek Reporter<\/p>\n Others changed how they traveled. Thirty-one percent replaced some trips by car with carpooling, public transportation or cycling. About 34% abandoned a holiday, weekend trip or visit to relatives or friends<\/a>, while 25% drove more slowly to conserve fuel.<\/p>\n The financial strain is also shaping expectations for Europe\u2019s energy transition. Seventy-two percent of Greeks called the transition urgent. Asked what it should achieve, 81% cited more stable or lower energy prices, 82% reduced dependence on imported oil and gas, and 78% slower climate change.<\/p>\n Greeks seek lower energy bills, solar power and stronger EU cooperation<\/p>\n![\"Rising](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Varvakios_Market_Athens_Mask_Fish_credit_Dimitra_Damian_Greek_Reporter_2022.jpg\"\/)
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