Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald has said news that households and businesses will suffer further hikes in gas prices in coming weeks will be another huge blow for workers and families.  

The party’s economy spokesperson was speaking after the Utility Regulator warned that households and businesses will face gas price hikes of at least 30% in the coming weeks. 

Caoimhe Archibald said:  

“News that hard-pressed families are set to be hit with further price hikes will come as another huge blow.  

“At the same time with inflation rising, the prices of food, fuel and other goods are all on the up, and the combined impact is hitting hard particularly on low and middle-income workers and families. Many of these families are already struggling to make ends meet. 

“We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, energy prices are soaring largely due to global demand issues and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight to the high gas prices.

“Sinn Féin is again calling on the British government to remove VAT on energy bills during this global price spike to help support families.  

“It should also explore a windfall tax on energy generators similar to that introduced in other European states and redirect the money raised towards tackling fuel poverty.”