Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland increased by as much as £100 over the past week. The rise followed US and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory damage to oil infrastructure in Gulf states. Around 62.5% of homes in Northern Ireland use heating oil.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill stated that Sinn Fein and the DUP hold opposing positions on international law and military action in the Middle East. She receives security briefings twice daily alongside Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. O'Neill chose not to attend Cabinet Office briefings, as she opposes London's involvement in the conflict.

Hundreds of Northern Ireland residents have been stranded in the Middle East since last Saturday due to airspace closures from the conflict. O'Neill spoke with families of those affected. Some returned on flights to Dublin last night, with others possibly arriving in London today.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald warned against unjustified price hikes in heating oil and fuel. She held discussions on Wednesday with British Energy Minister Michael Shanks and Irish Energy Minister Darragh O'Brien. Shanks assured no immediate threat to fuel supply.

Archibald noted over 60% of households in Northern Ireland rely on heating oil, with prices up more than 60% since last Friday. She instructed her department to remind retailers of fair pricing duties and pledged cooperation with agencies for transparency.

O'Neill said local residents face higher fuel and petrol costs from the global events. Archibald called for support similar to aid after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Both ministers engaged British and Irish governments on the issues.