Ireland could face more pain at the pumps over the next few weeks - as the overall price for gas rose sharply following Vladimir Putin's address to the Russian nation on Wednesday morning.
The Kremlin leader threatened nuclear escalation of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, called up 300,000 'reserves' to the Russian army and promised that he wasn't "bluffing" when talking about the potential for a nuclear attack on the West during the address.
And already we're seeing the markets react to the threats, with the Russian rouble flopping - but there is one key advantage Russia still has: gas and oil.
The energy crisis that we're facing in Ireland isn't unique, as millions of people are being hit with higher bills as a result of sanctions imposed on Russia for the illegal invasion.
Naturally, as Russia is the second largest distributor of oil in the world, that has caused prices to rocket elsewhere.
European national gas price jumped by over 7% in the aftermath of Mr Putin's declaration.
The UK saw prices go up by 4.6%, just behind the Dutch increase of 5%.
Meanwhile, in Germany, the state has locked in it's supply by nationalising Uniper - the country's biggest gas importer - ahead of the winter months.
However, rolling blackouts are still expected as the energy crisis deepens as the weather gets colder, with the public becoming more reliant on heating.
READ NEXT:
Everything we know about garda car ramming in Dublin as two female officers 'left traumatised'
Young Irish man shot in Spain near luxury golf club as organised crime squad officers investigate
Vladimir Putin issues ominous nuclear bomb threat to West and says it 'is not a bluff'
Ireland's best pubs, restaurants, hotels, cafés announced after thousands of nominations
Irish Government in secret talks with Dubai to get 'Kinahan gangster' home to face justice
