The Economy Minister has pledged to examine the sale of high-cost heating oil drums at garage forecourts across Northern Ireland. The commitment follows a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) report that identified gaps in consumer protection for the region’s heating oil users.

Over 60 per cent of households in Northern Ireland rely on heating oil, a far higher proportion than in Great Britain. The CMA study found that prices are generally lower in the region, but vulnerable households face particular challenges when topping up supplies between bulk deliveries.

Global wholesale price movements account for the bulk of what consumers pay. The CMA reported that wholesale costs were responsible for 83 per cent of the overall price increase since early 2022. In the past week, average daily prices for a 500-litre delivery jumped 24 per cent.

Northern Ireland’s market already benefits from transparent retail pricing, a voluntary industry code of conduct, access to independent redress, and flexibility around minimum order volumes. The Consumer Council’s Heating Oil Price Checker was highlighted as an example of best practice.

However, the practice of buying 20-litre emergency drums at forecourts remains a costly alternative. A single drum can sell for £35, equivalent to £1.75 per litre, whereas a standard 300-litre delivery costs just above 90 pence per litre. The Consumer Council advises against using these drums as a regular top-up method and says they should be reserved for genuine emergencies.

Minister Archibald noted that forecourt sales are one feature that sets the Northern Ireland market apart and stressed that consumer protections must reflect these differences. She said the issue will be considered as part of the Executive’s response to the CMA’s recommendations.

David Blevings of the Northern Ireland Oil Federation echoed that position, stating that the industry does not endorse the use of forecourt drums for home heating. He urged consumers to place orders with a distributor as soon as possible if they run low.

The Consumer Council welcomed the CMA’s market study, calling it a positive step. It said any new regulatory approach should close gaps across the whole supply chain, take account of existing legislative tools, and identify the best-placed statutory bodies to act. The Council said it stands ready to work with the Executive, the Department for the Economy, the CMA, and other partners to develop a proportionate solution that prioritises those most at risk.