Energy And Food Price WatchIreland
Irish Prices Rise 4% In October As Energy Bills Jump
Energy is 18.3% dearer than a year ago, while food prices have barely moved. An economist warns food may follow within months.
In Short
- Consumer prices were about 4% higher in October than a year earlier.
- Energy prices rose 18.3% over the year and 4.5% in the month.
- Food prices were up only 0.1% over the year.
- Services, which include eating out, were 3.5% dearer than a year ago.
- An economist expects higher energy costs to reach food prices in 8 to 10 months.
New figures from the Central Statistics Office show prices in Ireland rose by about 4% in the year to October. Energy is the main reason. It cost 18.3% more than a year earlier.
Food has stayed calm so far. The CSO says food prices went up just 0.1% over the year. Services cost 3.5% more than in October 2025.
Kate English, chief economist at Deloitte Ireland, warned that this calm may not last. She pointed to ESRI research that suggests higher energy costs reach food prices after eight to ten months.
What is certain is that people are facing into a winter with much higher energy costs.
She also said people face a winter with much higher energy costs. Rising tension in the Middle East could push energy prices up further, the report notes.
What Does This Mean For Your Restaurant?
For a kitchen, gas and electricity are the bills that move first. Food costs may follow next year, so it is worth checking supplier contracts and menu prices before the winter season.
Sources
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