Electricity Bills Have Rocketed by 61%. How December Price Rises Are Hitting Pensioners

Romanian seniors and pensioners are facing an ever-growing financial burden after electricity bills surged by nearly 61% in December 2025 compared with the same period the previous year. This dramatic rise represents the largest price increase recorded across the entire economy, and it disproportionately affects older people's budgets — they spend more time at home and require constant heating.

Data published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) paints an alarming picture for households on fixed incomes. Beyond electricity, district heating costs also rose substantially — up 18.80% — meaning that pensioners living in flats connected to centralised heating systems are likewise facing significantly higher bills. This double energy blow comes at a time when many seniors are already struggling to balance their monthly budgets.

Public transport, which is vital to the mobility of older people who no longer drive, has also seen significant price increases. Rail fares rose by more than 24% year-on-year and by nearly 10% compared with the previous month alone, while air fares climbed 18% month-on-month. These increases particularly affect seniors who travel to visit family or to receive medical treatment in other cities.

In the food sector, the picture is mixed but still concerning for pensioners. Fresh fruit — essential to a healthy diet in older age — became more than 15% more expensive year-on-year. Coffee and cocoa recorded increases of almost 25%, products that many older people enjoy on a daily basis. On a brighter note, potatoes fell in price by 11%, offering some relief on a staple food in many seniors' diets.

These price rises come against a backdrop in which pensions have not kept pace, creating mounting financial pressure on older people. Many pensioners are being forced to make drastic cutbacks on heating, reduce their energy consumption, or go without certain foods in order to cope with rising costs. This situation raises serious questions about the quality of life of seniors and their ability to live decently on their current incomes.

Experts recommend that seniors optimise their energy consumption by insulating their homes, using household appliances efficiently, and taking advantage of government support programmes for vulnerable people. It is also important for older people to find out about social tariffs and discounts available to pensioners from electricity and gas suppliers.