Two gas suppliers in Northern Ireland have announced increases in prices.

SSE Airtricity Gas Supply’s 141,000 customers are to see a 7.6% rise from 31st March, adding around £36 to their gas bill a year.

The increase is said to be the result of a rise in external costs “outside of SSE Airtricity’s control including sustained increases in global wholesale gas costs which have risen by over 50% in the last 12 months”.

It is said to be the company’s first increase in gas prices in Northern Ireland since April 2013.

Andrew Greer, General Manager of SSE Airtricity Gas said: “As always, we will continue to do everything to ensure we consistently deliver value to our customers in their gas supply, provide the greatest possible help and the outstanding service that our customers expect from us.”

Firmus Energy’s gas customers will also be hit by a 12.2% price rise.

It will come into effect on 7th April and add around £66 to customers’ annual gas bills.

The company supplies around 50,000 customers in the Greater Belfast area and a further 30,000 beyond Belfast.

It added the move reflects the “rising natural gas commodity market”.

Managing Director Michael Scott said: “We understand the importance of price stability for customers and apologise for having to increase prices.

“Over the past three years, we have been able to reduce or maintain our prices.”

ScottishPower, E.ON, EDF Energy, npower, First Utility and Co-operative Energy have also announced price rises. British Gas has pledged to freeze prices until August.