Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland have risen sharply, placing a severe financial burden on households and childminders. The average price for 500 litres reached £561.83 on 24 September, according to the Consumer Council NI.

Almost two-thirds of homes in Northern Ireland use oil for heating, the highest proportion of any UK nation. Unlike gas or electricity, the heating oil market is unregulated, so global price increases are passed on quickly to consumers.

Rachel Jeffers, a childminder from Stewartstown, County Tyrone, said the cost of heating oil had doubled since last year. She purchased 500 litres for £560 last week and said her tank was not even near filled. Jeffers said she has been turning off her heating earlier in the day than usual.

Jeffers, who minds one child after school and three under school age all day, said the high oil prices are a severe financial and operational burden on registered childminders. She said food bills and insurance have also increased massively. Jeffers has not yet raised her childminding fees but is discussing it, noting that parents are also under financial pressure.

The high heating costs have also affected Jeffers' own family. She said she has had to reconsider whether to send her children to after-school activities such as piano and football.

Raymond Gormley, head of energy at the Consumer Council NI, said heating oil prices are about 80% higher than before the war with Iran started. A 300-litre fill now costs about £347, up from £202 before the conflict. Gormley said prices are headline driven and will depend on Middle East developments; peace discussions could bring prices down slowly, but continued war will push them up. He advised consumers to keep an eye on daily prices and compare prices among suppliers.

The Stormont Executive opened a scheme on 9 September to give eligible households a £100 voucher towards home heating oil costs. About 340,000 lower-income households are expected to qualify. As of midday on 23 September, 123,987 applications had been received by the Department for Communities. The scheme is open to households with a combined income of £30,000 or less, or those on certain benefits. Applications close on 31 March 2027.