WEALTH October 22, 2025 0 Comments

Why Wholesale Electricity Prices Plummeted 16.2%—And What It Means for Your Business Bottom Line

Isn’t it ironic how something as invisible as electricity prices can spark such visible shifts across industries? Wholesale electricity prices dropped by a striking 16.2% over the past year to September, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Yet, this ripple effect isn’t uniform—while manufacturing producer prices dipped 2.6%, domestic goods edged up slightly and exported goods slid down 3.1%. Food prices, in a twist, show a mixed bag: dairy and meat surged, vegetables and fats plummeted. Chemicals? They shot up a jaw-dropping 30.8%. Construction materials saw modest climbs and dips, shaking up costs for everything from metal fittings to timber. What does all this oscillation mean for business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs navigating these choppy economic waters? Grab your coffee—this rollercoaster ride through Ireland’s wholesale price landscape is worth the attention. LEARN MORE

Wholesale electricity prices fell 2% month-on-month and by 16.2% in the 12 months to September, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) said.

Overall, manufacturing producer prices were 2.6% lower year-on-year, with domestic producer prices for manufactured goods rising 1.2% and producer prices for exported goods declining 3.1%.

Wholesale prices for food products have risen 4.5% over the past 12 months, and the wider food products, beverages & tobacco index was up 3.5%, with the price of beverages down 3.5%.

Some of the most notable annuals changes in producer prices for food products were dairy products (+11.1%), meat & meat products (+7.1%), and vegetables & animal oils & fats (-16.2%).

Chemicals & chemical products saw the largest change in wholesale prices at 30.8%.

Wholesale prices for construction products grew by 0.5% in the month to September 2025 and have risen by 1% in the 12 months since September 2024.

There were notable increases and decreases in the price of construction products such as metal fittings (+7.4%), plater (+6.9%), copper pipes & fittings (+5.5%), ready mixed mortar & concrete (5%), rough timber (+4.6%) and bituminous emulsions (-5.8%).

“Wholesale price inflation showed a decrease in September 2025 with a 0.4% decline in the overall Producer Price Index for manufacturing industries in the month,” said Deridre Toher, statistician in the prices division of the CSO.

“The price index for export sales was down by 0.5% since August 2025, while the index for home sales was unchanged in the month.

Wholesale electricity are now 16.2% lower than in September 2024. (Pic: Getty Images)

“Producer prices for products sold on the domestic market were 1.2% higher in September 2025 compared with September 2024.

“In the 12 months to September 2025, export producer prices fell by 3.1% and are at their lowest since October 2021, while overall producer prices were down by 2.6%.”