firmus energy has announced that their natural gas tariffs in the Greater Belfast Network area are to increase by 32.98% from 22 October.

The energy supplier has said that the price hike, which will mean an extra £3.51 per week on to the average household bill, is the result of substantial rises in global wholesale gas prices.

Michael Scott, Managing Director of firmus energy, said: "We are very sorry that we have to make this announcement to our customers in the Greater Belfast area. However, given the huge increases in the cost of purchasing natural gas on the global markets, which have been well publicised in recent weeks, it is simply unavoidable, as these costs are totally beyond our control.

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"With the world starting to reopen again, following the Covid-19 restrictions, this is leading to increased demand for natural gas and that has been driving the prices up.

"We will continue to monitor and review our tariffs to ensure customers are getting the best prices possible.

"Any increase is never welcome, and we know this will come at a particularly difficult time for many. We are fully committed to working with consumer bodies to best support our customers, especially in the forthcoming winter months."

The Greater Belfast Network area covers Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Donaghadee, Larne, Groomsport, Millisle, Newtownards, Carryduff, Comber, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, and East Down.