THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Gloomy prospects for Ulster gas consumers as price hike warning issued

Belfast's 150,000 gas consumers were warned this week in 1979 to that a “price explosion” might be on its way according to a report in the News Letter.

The warning came from Mr Jim Sullivan, chairman of Belfast City Council’s gas committee, who said: “To clear ourselves without a subsidy would send costs through the roof. Our estimate is an increase somewhere in the region of 70 per cent which would be ludicrous to present to people already paying very much more for gas than consumers in Great Britain.”

Mr Sullivan continued: “However, it illustrates just how critical the situation is and how vital the need for urgent action on behalf of the Government.”

Earlier in the day Mr Sullivan and gas committee colleagues had spelt out a message of gloom to Industry Minister Mr Giles Shaw during talks in Belfast.

Another delegation from the Northern Ireland Gas Employers’ Board, led by Co Armagh MP Mr Harold McCusker, had impressed on the minister the need for decisive action on the part of Government to prevent the collapse of the gas industry in the Province.

Apart from Belfast, at least five other undertakings, including those in Coleraine and Londonderry were faced with mounting losses, noted the News Letter.

The News Letter concluded: “The future is even gloomier with a £7 million deficit predicted for the present financial year.”