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The recent news of a huge 56.3% rise in Firmus Energy gas prices has sparked further calls for the formation of the Northern Ireland Executive.
These new prices will come into effect for customers across the region from 03 October.
Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill has called for the urgent formation of an Executive to combat the "staggering and catastrophic rise" in gas prices.
"News that Firmus are increasing gas prices by a staggering and catastrophic 56.3% is yet another crushing blow for workers and families who are really struggling to pay their bills," said O'Neill. "Their average annual bill will have risen by over £1,500 in the space of a year, that scale of increase is devastating.
"They have had enough. They need help now. They need an Executive up and running and working to put money in their pockets.
"How much longer will Jeffrey Donaldson and the DUP sit on their hands and block people from getting support they so badly need? It's totally cruel.
"Likewise, the incoming British government has an opportunity now to do something after months and months of inaction – they need to ramp up support for people and deliver measures that will cut people's bills, and act to support businesses.
"I am ready to form an Executive right now, to get ministers around the table and working together to immediately support workers, families and small businesses. They can't wait any longer. This is a cost-of-living emergency."
