← Latest briefing

Business & Finance

Firmus Energy raises gas tariffs across Northern Ireland starting in October

Rates will increase by up to 12.5% across Greater Belfast and the Ten Towns network, following rising wholesale costs linked to Middle East conflict.

The short version

  • Firmus Energy will raise natural gas tariffs by 8.98% in the Ten Towns network and 12.5% in Greater Belfast in October.
  • The changes will affect roughly 131,000 households and businesses across both coverage areas.
  • The company attributed the price rise to increased global wholesale gas costs linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Key facts

  • Firmus Energy will increase tariffs by 8.98% in the Ten Towns region starting 1 October, adding roughly £7 monthly to average bills across about 77,000 households and small businesses.[BBC News]
  • Greater Belfast tariffs will rise by 12.5% starting 8 October, adding approximately £12 monthly to bills for around 54,000 customers.[BBC News]
  • Firmus Energy stated the tariff adjustments stem directly from higher wholesale natural gas prices driven by prolonged conflict in the Middle East.[BBC News]
  • The announcement follows a move by Northern Ireland's largest natural gas supplier, SSE Airtricity, to increase rates by nearly 19% for 200,000 customers from 1 October.[BBC News]
  • Northern Ireland's Utility Regulator advised customers concerned about bill payments to contact their suppliers regarding available support and payment options.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The duration of higher wholesale prices and the timeline for any future tariff reductions remain dependent on global energy market trends.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.