Northern Ireland Finance Minister John O’Dowd has written to the UK Treasury seeking details on proposed support for households facing higher heating oil costs. He stated that any assistance must target families reliant on oil-fired central heating.

O’Dowd welcomed UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' acknowledgment of the need for aid but called for it to be meaningful, timely, and applicable to oil users. He noted that many households, especially families and older people, depend on oil to heat their homes and face financial strain from recent price rises.

In Northern Ireland, 62.5% of homes use oil for heating. This exceeds the proportion in other UK nations. Oil-heated households lack protection from the energy price cap.

On Thursday, the average price for 500 litres of heating oil stood at £596, up from £307 two weeks earlier. The 900-litre price reached £1,037, compared to £536 previously.

O’Dowd emphasized that support must address vulnerabilities from global oil price spikes. He pledged to press for measures that provide fair, accessible, and sufficient relief.

Reeves announced a support package for households with higher heating oil costs. She indicated the Treasury has identified funds and is reviewing options for the most affected.

DUP member Phillip Brett called on the Department for the Economy to implement a scheme quickly using available UK funds. Joleen Cunningham of Carers NI requested prompt delivery of aid, citing carers' increased energy needs. Megan Stith of Barnardo's NI advocated for sustainable heating solutions beyond short-term help.