Wholesale electricity prices in Ireland have surged by 25.6% over the past year, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office, despite a significant monthly decline in April.
The CSO data shows that while electricity prices dropped by 15.7% in the month to April 2025, the annual increase reflects ongoing volatility in energy markets. Current wholesale electricity prices remain 71.3% below their peak levels recorded in August 2022, when energy costs soared amid global supply disruptions.
The electricity price movements come alongside broader increases across producer prices, with food products rising 5.1% in the 12 months to April 2025. The food sector saw particularly sharp increases in dairy products, which jumped 22%, while meat products rose 7.3%.
Chemical products experienced a substantial 17.4% price increase over the year, while other sectors showed more moderate growth. Machinery and equipment prices increased by 3.1%, beverages rose 3.3%, and plastic products were up 3.1%.
Construction-related costs showed minimal movement, with wholesale prices for construction products growing just 0.2% in April and rising only 1% over the full 12-month period to April 2024.
The mixed price movements across different sectors reflect varying supply and demand pressures throughout the Irish economy, with energy costs remaining a key concern despite their retreat from crisis-era peaks.