Gas hike puts further pressure on families

The latest 8.5% gas price hike will put further pressure on hard-pressed families to make ends meet, organisations working with households in financial crisis have warned.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul also warned that families were facing a “perfect storm” with a price rise that came with just one month’s notice when a “staggering” number were already in arrears to energy providers.

The Commission for Energy Regulation yesterday approved the increase, which will come into effect from the first of next month. It follows approval for a 21.7% increase a year ago.