Energy Costs To Soar Again After Russian Oil Ban

Taoiseach warns of new pricing 'era. EU votes to end fuel dependence

- Ciara Phelan

Irish households are likely to face increased energy costs as the Taoiseach has warned of "challenging" times ahead after the EU placed a ban on importing Russian oil.

Speaking in Brussels yesterday after the EU decided to end its dependency on Russian oil and gas, Micheal Martin said we were now entering a "new era".

He told reporters: "There's no point in saying anything other than that it will be challenging.

"We are looking at a different era now in terms of pricing around fossil fuels.

"It will hit Russia and clearly there will be significant challenges for some member states which have to be taken into account.

"The war has really exacerbated this and created huge pressure.