Gas prices, not rationing, 'main risk facing Irish business'

Disruption due to any Russian shutdown of its pipeline would push prices higher for Irish consumers and businesses

While the European mainland would face disruption of gas supply if Russia cuts off its pipeling, the main effect on Ireland would be surging prices. 

Rationing of gas on the continent in the event of Russia turning off gas supplies would push Irish energy prices even higher, despite Ireland still having access to North Sea supplies, experts have said. 

Fergal O'Brien, director of policy and public affairs at business group Ibec, said that any disruption to Russian gas supplies to the continent would more likely push Irish prices higher than to curtail supply because the Irish market taps the North Sea for a large part of its gas supply, as well as form the Corrib gas field off the Mayo coast.