Average prices for home heating oil increased across Northern Ireland. On 5 March, 500 litres cost £556 on average, compared to £307 the previous week. The price for 300 litres reached £347, and for 900 litres £948.

Prices differed by council area. Mid Ulster had the highest average for 500 litres at £566.53. Derry City and Strabane recorded the lowest at £537.30. Newry City, Mourne and Down showed the top price for 300 litres at £358. Fermanagh and Omagh led for 900 litres at £972.05.

Pauline Buller, a pensioner from Aghalee in County Antrim, paid £786 for 800 litres. She stated the cost covered three and a half weeks of her four-week pension. Buller noted two pensioners in a home manage better than one, who might choose between heating and food.

Gareth Barker from Portadown ordered 400 litres on Saturday for £286, delivered Monday. He checked Thursday and saw the price at £526 with the same supplier.

Eilish O'Doherty of Older People North West in Londonderry said older people voiced major concerns over the price rise during the cold winter.

Chris Lavery of ABC Fuels in Craigavon said the firm allows regular elderly customers time to pay and checks tank levels during deliveries.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive paused its free oil savings network. Assistant director Emma Stubbs said volatile prices and high supplier demand hindered normal operations.