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Price of briquettes more than doubles as inflation hits energy

/ 5th September 2022 /
BP Reporter

A bale of peat briquettes will now cost €7.50, an increase of €3.50 since last year - as the inflation energy squeeze continues to impact what it will cost to keep our homes warm this winter.

It comes as four price hikes across energy suppliers were announced in one week, including the two biggest companies in the market - Electric Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy. Peat briquettes have almost doubled in price meaning it will now be harder for many struggling families to stay warm this winter.

One concerned briquette user said: "Why has the price of a bale of peat briquettes recently jumped to €7.50? Last year, one could buy five bales for €20 in some stores.

"Are some quietly thanking Putin for this opportunity to increase their profits on this home-produced fuel?" Peat-burning has been beset by controversy in recent months, with Green Party leader and Environment Minister Eamon Ryan having proposed to ban the sale of home cut turf due to environmental concerns.

Additionally, Mr Ryan said in May this year that peat briquettes may be included in the Government's proposed ban on smoky fuels if they are found to be over the excess pollution threshold.

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He clarified that turf may not be the only product impacted by the ban which started this month, aimed at lowering emissions and protecting people's health.

briquettes
Green Party leader and Environment Minister Eamon Ryan proposed to ban the sale of home cut turf due to environmental concerns. (Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The minister said peat briquettes must fall below the 10 micrograms of pollution per hour rate, with the products being included in the ban if they fail to do so.

Bord na Móna has previously said that its briquettes comply with this environmental threshold.

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