An Alliance MLA from Lagan Valley raised concerns at Stormont about rising home heating oil prices. Paul Honeyford asked about emergency support discussions with the Department for Communities for households in fuel poverty.

He called for contingency plans should prices keep increasing. Honeyford noted that 68% of homes in Northern Ireland depend on heating oil. He stated that global crude oil price increases of 10% led to local oil price jumps of nearly 40%.

The MLA argued that families here bear the direct impact of energy spikes. He said people should not pay for conflicts abroad. Honeyford pointed out that prices rise quickly but fall slowly.

Alliance has pushed for regulation of the heat hole in heating oil. Honeyford urged suppliers to publish wholesale cost calculations to rebuild trust. He questioned planned engagement with local oil suppliers, the industry, and the consumer council.

Northern Ireland faces the greatest exposure to global oil and gas shocks across these islands, he said. While global conflicts cannot be controlled, protections for residents can be implemented.