Department convenes meeting of Energy Security Group to discuss implications of situation in Middle East and Gulf region

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) today convened a meeting of the Government’s Energy Security Group, at the request of Minister Darragh O’Brien, to assess the current implications of the conflict in the Middle East and Gulf region.
 
Building on regular engagements since the beginning of the conflict, the meeting brought together senior officials from relevant Government Departments, state agencies, and regulators to ensure that Government is fully informed of ongoing developments in global energy markets. The group reviewed current supply and pricing conditions across oil, gas and electricity, and assessed the local impacts arising from the evolving situation. The group also heard from fuel industry representative body Fuels for Ireland.
 
The group reiterated International Energy Agency (IEA) updates that while oil prices continue to fluctuate, yesterday saw some stabilisation and markets remain adequately supplied. Similarly, wholesale gas prices, while elevated, remain well below the peak levels seen in recent years.
 
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD, said:
 
“The Energy Security Group met today on my request to take stock of the situation and to get an up-to-date picture from all relevant energy stakeholders. It’s important to say that Ireland’s fuel supply chains are reliable and all appropriate contingency arrangements are in place across the energy sector.
 
“This week, I wrote to retail electricity and gas suppliers as well as fuel suppliers to emphasise the importance of reducing the exposure for Irish consumers from the price shocks that global uncertainty can create. I have also written to the Chair of the CRU in this regard, following my request in December 2025 for CRU to undertake a review of competition in the retail energy markets. The CRU have already begun that work, including engagement with the CCPC.
 
“Energy affordability is a priority for this Government, and range of measures was introduced in Budget 2026 aimed at helping households with energy costs. I have also engaged recently with the four biggest energy retailers in recent months to ensure that hardship funds and focused measures are in place for any customers who find themselves in difficulty.
 
“My Department continues to actively monitor the situation and the impact on energy markets and supply. We are engaging with our EU and international partners to ensure Ireland remains fully appraised of all developments.”
 
The group will continue to meet as required as the situation evolves.