Spiralling heating oil prices raise concern in Derry and Donegal
Concerns have been raised in Derry and Donegal over the recent rise in home heating oil prices.
Speaking in the Assembly, Derry MLA Sinead McLaughlin said that energy prices ‘shot up by 10%’ on Monday morning.
“The escalation of violence in the Middle East following the bombing of Iran has heightened global tensions and created real fears about a wider conflict. Energy markets are volatile. Supply chains are fragile. Investor confidence across many regions is cautious. It is at times such as these that stability and cooperation matter more than ever. “For Northern Ireland, because it affects energy prices, international instability is not something that we watch on television and then forget about. Energy prices here shot up this morning by over 10%. In many ways, some of the energy companies are profiteering off the back of that instability. There was no need for those rises to happen at the minute, as they bought the oil at significantly lower prices than what they were selling it for to our communities this morning. International instability therefore affects trade routes, business confidence and the decisions of companies considering where to invest and where to grow.
"That is why Ireland's EU presidency matters. It comes at a time when global politics are uncertain. The European Union will focus on competitiveness, energy security, resilience and economic stability: those are not distant policy themes; they speak directly to the challenges that we face.”
East Derry MLA Claire Sugden has said the recent rise in home heating oil prices is adding real pressure to households across the constituency, particularly in rural areas where oil is the only option for heating.
Claire said: “I’ve been hearing from people who are genuinely worried about the cost of filling their oil tank. An extra £100 might not sound huge in isolation, but for many families it’s the difference between managing and falling behind.”
She added how Northern Ireland relies heavily on home heating oil and added how, in many rural parts of East Derry, there ‘simply isn’t access to the gas network.’
"People don’t have the luxury of switching systems or shopping around in the way others can. This isn’t about extras or lifestyle choices. It’s about keeping your home warm. It’s about older people on fixed incomes. It’s about families already juggling food costs, childcare and mortgages.”
“We can’t control international markets, but that doesn’t mean we just shrug our shoulders. We need to be clear about how this market operates here, what protections are in place, and whether they are strong enough. I have asked for clarity around the role of the Utility Regulator, what oversight exists, and whether more can be done to improve transparency and consumer protection.”
“Rural households should not be left carrying the burden every time prices spike. If there are gaps in regulation or support, we need to be honest about that and look at how we address them.”
In Donegal, Sinn Fein Councillor Gary Doherty called for urgent Government action ‘as heating oil prices surge’.
Colr Doherty said some suppliers have increased prices ‘by as much as 20–30% overnight.’
He described the situation as “deeply alarming” and has called on the Irish Government to introduce immediate emergency measures to protect households from further financial strain.
“Families across Donegal are contacting me in genuine distress,” Colr Doherty said.
“A 20–30% overnight increase in heating oil is simply unsustainable. Many households were already struggling with the cost of living, and this sudden spike has caused real anxiety.”
Colr Doherty warned that continued instability in global energy markets, linked to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, could lead to further increases in petrol, electricity and home heating costs in the weeks ahead.
“For many families in Donegal, heating oil isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Rural communities are particularly exposed because so many homes rely on oil as their primary heat source. Government must recognise the scale of what is happening and act decisively.”
Councillor Doherty said he is calling for: Immediate emergency electricity credits for households; a reduction in VAT on fuel and stronger protections for working families against further energy price shocks
Colr Doherty confirmed that he will be engaging directly with colleagues at national level to ensure that Donegal’s concerns are raised as a matter of urgency.