'Most of my pension has gone on home heating oil'

Rising heating oil prices are hitting Northern Ireland harder than the rest of the UK - here's everything you need to know.

Northern Ireland's Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald has warned heating oil suppliers against unjustified price hikes, as home heating oil prices surged over 60% due to escalating Middle East conflicts. Discussions with British and Irish Energy Ministers have been initiated to address the issue.

Sinn Féin Deputies Pearse Doherty and Padraig MacLochlainn have criticized the significant hikes in home heating oil and motor fuel prices, accusing energy companies of exploiting the Middle East crisis to increase profits, while the government refrains from intervention.

The Consumer Council reports a 1% increase in petrol and diesel prices over the past week, with further rises expected due to the Middle East conflict. Home heating oil costs have risen more than 80% in the same period, prompting concerns over price gouging.

Buncrana Councillor Jack Murray has called for a reduction in fuel taxes as home heating oil prices have increased by nearly 40% in less than a week, urging the government to intervene and alleviate the financial burden on consumers.

Households in Northern Ireland, where 62.5% of homes rely on heating oil, are facing significant price increases due to global oil market volatility, with some customers reporting quotes of £985 for 1,000 litres, up from £670 in January.

UK average diesel costs have reached a 16-month high, with global oil prices surging due to the Middle East conflict, impacting both production and deliveries of oil and natural gas.

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has warned households about 'extremely excessive' heating oil price rises due to the escalating conflict involving Iran.

A Donegal county councillor has called on the government to act to safeguard consumers from the dramatic rise in fuel prices, with diesel now exceeding €2 per litre.