Household energy prices in Northern Ireland will stay high through autumn and winter if the Iran war persists another four to six weeks. MPs on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee heard this warning during a session. The conflict started on 28 February.

Wholesale energy prices rose sharply since the war began. Missile strikes and drone attacks slowed energy production and transport in the Middle East. Home heating oil costs increased by 80% in Northern Ireland. David Blevings from the NI Oil Federation stated that supply chains need four to six weeks to recover even if the conflict ends now.

Blevings noted that resolution by month's end could bring prices back toward normal by early October. John French, Chief Executive of the Utility Regulator, said all-island wholesale electricity prices rose 19% since the crisis started. The Utility Regulator warned that April gas price cuts may reverse if the crisis continues.

Energy firms have not passed higher wholesale costs to consumers yet due to advance purchases. Prolonged conflict reduces their ability to hedge prices. The NI Executive announced a £100 heating oil grant for 300,000 low-income households last week. Payments start in three months.

Pat Austin from National Energy Action called the grant inadequate. Samantha Gallagher from the Rural Community Network said rural workers face choices between fuel for work travel and food. She added that the grant amount falls short of filling an oil tank and rollout delays limit benefits.

William Irvine, president of the Ulster Farmers Union, said the agri-food sector faces cost shocks from the war. Declan Pang from the Road Haulage Association reported some firms' weekly fuel costs for heavy goods vehicles up by £350.