O’Brien wants lower 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas extended to 2026

Darragh O’Brien wants the lower VAT rate on electricity and gas kept into 2026 to ease pressure on households

Energy minister Darragh O’Brien cautioned that any decision to retain the rate would be made as part of the budget process. Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin / Collins Photo Agency

The lower 9% Vat rate on gas and electricity should be retained in the upcoming budget to avoid further hiking energy prices for consumers, energy minister Darragh O’Brien has said.

The lower rate was originally introduced in 2022 as part of a major cost-of-living package from the Government, with Vat falling from 13.5% to 9%.