Europe energy crisis | It's eat or heat for shocked Europeans

Energy’s share of household spending has hit record highs in Europe as the energy crisis in the continent looks worse than in developed countries

No more ironing, limited oven use and showering at work – Europeans are trying to keep their energy use down but the bills keep climbing. As wholesale gas and electricity prices surge, millions of people in Europe are now spending a record amount of their income on energy, data show.

In the east England town of Grimsby, Philip Keetley didn't turn on his cooling fan at home as Britain sweltered under a record heat-wave this summer. A look at his bank account showed he couldn't afford to.

"The cost of living has increased and yet you're still expected to live on the money provided for when there wasn't a crisis... I either can have my heating on or eat," Mr. Keetley said.

Citizens in other European countries too are voluntarily taking action to cut consumption as gas, electricity and fuel prices sky-rocket due to war in Ukraine, sanctions on Russia and the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

The benchmark European gas price has soared 550% in the past 12 months. The cost of energy for British consumers will rise by 80% from October, regulator Ofgem said on Friday, taking average annual household bills to £3,549 ($4,188).

European governments have rushed to offer aid, but data shows the assistance hasn't made a significant difference to households.

This winter, Britons will spend an average 10% of their household income on gas, electricity and other heating fuels as well as domestic vehicle fuels, mainly petrol and diesel, twice the amount in 2021, according to Carbon Brief's calculations of official data.