Gas prices in Northern Ireland have been continuing to rise with a number of companies announcing price hikes in recent weeks.
As well as this, electric prices and food costs have been going up too, with many families worried about paying their next bills.
Recent increases in gas prices have been blamed on “sustained increases in global wholesale gas prices”, with companies saying they have “forced” them to announce the increases.
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The price of home heating oil is also on the rise, with the average price of 900 litres now £838.69 compared to £344.48 this time last year.
It can be hard to keep track of the price hikes and how they will impact your pocket, so we've broken down the latest announcements and detailed how this will affect you.
Firmus
Gas firm Firmus have announced a 24.5% increase in their bills saying it will hit customers from July 1.
The Consumer Council says the news will impact approximately 49,000 domestic and small business gas customers in the Greater Belfast area and means the annual gas bill of a typical household with a credit meter will rise by about £300 per year.
Customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their typical costs increase by around £295 per year, the Consumer Council added.
SSE Airtricity
Energy firm SSE has announced a 42.7% price hike on its gas to come into effect from July 1.
This tariff change means a typical household customer will see an average increase equivalent to around £1.02 per day.
The Consumer Council says the "significant rise will result in an increase of £372 per year to the gas bill of a household with a credit meter and customers with a prepayment gas meter (PAYG) will see their costs increase by £367 per year, taking the overall average household yearly gas bill to over £1,200".
Home heating oil prices
The price of home heating oil has also skyrocketed recently, with the average price of 900 litres more than doubling in the past year.
The Consumer Council's Home Heating Oil Index compares prices of oil across Northern Ireland.
Their most up to date data shows that the Mid & East Antrim area is the cheapest area to buy 900 litres of oil currently, with an average price of £831.51 for this amount.
Mid Ulster currently has the most expensive prices for 900 litres at the minute, with this setting consumers back an average of £846.09.
Consumer Council advice
Reacting to the latest price hike from Firmus, Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council said: “Every one of the frequent energy price increases has meant a growing number of people being really badly impacted and we know from working with consumers that many are having to choose specific days and times when they can heat their homes and put on their lights.
"High prices will make the coming winter miserable for many and life threatening for some without the introduction of significant support for consumers.
“These increases, mainly due to the sustained high price of wholesale gas, follow well-publicised rises in home heating oil, coal, electricity, grocery, and transport fuel costs.
"This is particularly bad news for consumers in vulnerable situations and low-income households. It also means a wider group of households than before are having their budgets stretched ever further.
“We urge anyone who is struggling to pay their energy bills or top-up their meters to contact their supplier directly for help and support.
"We also encourage consumers to think about ways they can reduce their energy costs through energy efficiency and if possible, try to save money over the summer months to cover energy costs during the coming winter."
Consumers can get in touch with the Consumer Council for free independent advice by calling Freephone 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.
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