Department convenes meeting of Energy Security Group to discuss implications of situation in Middle East and Gulf region
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) today convened a meeting of the Government’s Energy Security Group, at the request of Minister Darragh O’Brien, to assess the current implications of the conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region.
Building on regular engagements since the beginning of the conflict, the meeting brought together senior officials from relevant Government Departments, state agencies, and regulators to ensure that Government is fully informed of ongoing developments in global energy markets. The group reviewed current supply and pricing conditions across oil, gas and electricity, and assessed the local impacts arising from the evolving situation. The group also heard from fuel industry representative body Fuels for Ireland.
The group reiterated International Energy Agency (IEA) updates that while oil prices continue to fluctuate, yesterday saw some stabilisation and markets remain adequately supplied. Similarly, wholesale gas prices, while elevated, remain well below the peak levels seen in recent years.
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, said:
“The Energy Security Group met today on my request to take stock of the situation and to get an up-to-date picture from all relevant energy stakeholders. It’s important to say that Ireland’s fuel supply chains are reliable and all appropriate contingency arrangements are in place across the energy sector.
"This week, I wrote to retail electricity and gas suppliers as well as fuel suppliers to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create. I have also written to the Chair of the CRU in this regard, following my request in December 2025 for CRU to undertake a review of competition in the retail energy markets. The CRU have already begun that work, including engagement with the CCPC.
“Energy affordability is a priority for this Government, and range of measures was introduced in Budget 2026 aimed at helping households with energy costs. I have also engaged recently with the four biggest energy retailers in recent months to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty.
“My Department continues to actively monitor the situation and the impact on energy markets and supply. We are engaging with our EU and international partners to ensure Ireland remains fully appraised of all developments.”
The group will continue to meet as required as the situation evolves.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
Membership of the Energy Security Group
The Energy Security Group includes representation from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment; the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU); EirGrid; ESB Networks; Gas Networks Ireland; and the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA); with attendance from other Departments and agencies as required.
Government supports:
- The Government included a range of measures in Budget 2026 aimed at helping households with energy costs. This included:
- An extension of the 9% VAT rate currently applied to gas and electricity, saving households up to €100 per year;
- Enhanced social protection payments including:
- Since January, the Fuel Allowance rate was increased by €5 per week to €38;
- An expansion of the eligibility rules for the Fuel Allowance means that households in receipt of the Working Family Payment will also receive the Fuel Allowance. This change will take effect from next week and will be backdated to January. This benefits over 43,000 people;
- From September 2026, a person on Disability Allowance or Blind Pension will now be able to retain the Fuel Allowance for 5 years when they exit their payment for employment.
- A record budget allocation for the SEAI retrofit schemes of €640 million. This includes an allocation of €340 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme which provides fully funded upgrades for those in energy poverty.
- A range of protections are in place for customers experiencing difficulties in paying their bills. Anyone who is struggling with their bill is strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. Suppliers will not disconnect customers that engage with them.
- The Department of Social Protection can also provide support through the Additional Needs Payment to help households meet expenses, including those who face difficulties with fuel bills.