Heating oil prices in Northern Ireland have increased sharply. The Consumer Council daily price tracker recorded 300 litres at £374.12 yesterday, up from £202.12 prior to the war. This represents a £172 rise over two weeks.

The surge links to hostilities in the Middle East. Attacks on gas facilities in the region and concerns over the Hormuz strait have driven energy market volatility.

In nearby Donegal, 1,000 litres cost €940 when fighting began. By Wednesday lunchtime, the price reached €1,650, a €710 or 76 percent increase in a fortnight. Charles Ward shared this data with the Dáil.

Ordinary working people in Northern Ireland face higher costs for fuel. This affects household budgets amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

Administrations in Belfast, London, and Dublin must provide support to vulnerable households. Energy price rises are expected to lead to higher costs for food and goods.