The agri-food sector drove industrial and commercial gas demand in March, according to Gas Networks Ireland.

The latest gas demand statement indicates that a seasonal increase in food and beverage production, driven by the spring dairy peak, led to a 39% month-on-month rise in the sector’s gas demand in March.

The increase reflects a well-established seasonal pattern, as higher milk volumes during the spring period drive a surge in processing activity across some of Ireland’s largest food production facilities.

Dairy processing is energy-intensive, with gas demand typically rising each spring as production scales up, Gas Networks Ireland said. 

As the food and beverage sector typically accounts for approximately 8% of Ireland’s overall gas demand, these seasonal shifts can have a noticeable impact on monthly demand trends.

Gas Networks Ireland’s director of strategy and regulation, Edwina Nyhan, said: “The increase in industrial and commercial gas demand in March reflects the seasonal nature of Ireland’s agri-food sector.

"With farming playing such a vital role in the Irish economy, gas is essential in supporting that activity, providing a reliable and flexible energy source for processors during periods of increased output."

Overall gas demand

Overall gas demand increased 1% month-on-month in March but was 4% lower year-on-year.

Across the wider picture, total gas demand increased by 5% in Q1 2026 compared with the previous quarter and was 1% higher year-on-year, reflecting continued activity across key sectors.

In Q1 2026, gas accounted for 38% of Ireland’s electricity generation, while gas generated 33% of Ireland’s electricity in March.

Wind generation accounted for 40% of electricity in March and 38% across Q1, while solar contributed 3% in March and 2% during the quarter.