The price of home heating oil is rising again in Northern Ireland after a period of respite. Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI) figures show that in just three weeks the average cost of 500 litres of home heating oil has climbed from £346.59 to £445.37, an increase of £98.78 or 29%.
CCNI's Raymond Gormley said the rise is in response to the escalation of fighting between the US and Iran. About two thirds of Northern Ireland households use home heating oil, by far the highest of any UK region.
Home heating oil prices peaked at £612.37 for 500 litres on average in April and had dropped to a low of £346.59 for the same amount earlier this month.
The most recent CCNI figures, external show 300 litres of home heating oil costs an average £276.23, up from £216.44 on 2 July. A delivery of 900 litres now costs an average of £789.07, an increase of £173.84 since 2 July.
How are households reacting to the price rise?
Many people in Northern Ireland say they are worried about what the increase means for family budgets, especially as colder months approach.
“I really do fear for wee families,”
Speaking to NI in Belfast city centre, Agnes Jackson said she is concerned about the general cost of living. Agnes, pictured with her granddaughter Abbie, said the price of gas is now
