Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald has hit out over the "extortionate hikes" to gas prices.

She said the 34% price increase in areas of Northern Ireland are "crippling workers and families".

She said: "News that Firmus are again set to increase gas prices by almost 34% is another huge blow to workers and families.

"At a time when living costs continue to rise, global energy prices are spiralling out of control and are crippling ordinary people.

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"I am reiterating Sinn Féin's call on the British government to scrap VAT on energy bills which would immediately cut household costs by five percent.

"They should also introduce a windfall tax on energy generators, like that introduced in other European states, with the money raised being redirected towards tackling fuel poverty and supporting families.

"This has been a difficult winter for many families, and we need to look at all measures to try to limit the impact and ensure people can heat their homes and put food on the table."