Gas providers should cut prices for customers in Northern Ireland before the regulator asks them to, as a gesture of goodwill and to reflect the falling price of wholesale gas, according to Conservative economy spokesman, Johnny Andrews.
“On Monday British Gas announced a 5% cut for its customers”, Johnny observed. “It’s about time that consumers in Northern Ireland began to see some savings passed along by companies operating locally. Wholesale gas prices have dropped by 52% over recent months and, with the particularly cold weather we’re having at the moment and an increase in gas use, it’s the right moment for a reduction.”
“We’ve seen substantial savings at the petrol pumps, over recent months, as the cost of crude oil drops. Gas companies could act now and pass along savings, which are overdue, to hard-pressed consumers in Northern Ireland. I’d urge the providers not to wait until late February, when the regulator is likely to compel them to cut prices. It would be a great gesture of goodwill to drop prices for customers now.”