FF TD Dr Martin Daly has warned that middle-income households are facing an intensifying cost-of-living squeeze, as rising global energy prices are set to drive a further wave of inflation across food, transport and everyday essentials. “Recent analysis indicates that inflation could rise to between 3.5% and 4% in the coming period, driven primarily by sharp increases in energy costs,” he said. “In rural communities, transport is essential, energy costs are higher, and alternatives are limited,” he said. “With global energy markets under pressure and uncertainty increasing, there is a real risk that the cost-of-living challenge will intensify again,” he said. “It is essential that we remain focused on the real and persistent cost pressures facing working households, particularly those in the middle who are often most exposed,” he said.

Source: The Herald April 07, 2026 15:42 UTC