Finance Minister has said the Prime Minister's
announcement of plans to support households who have faced a
sharp rise in the cost of heating oil are disappointing and fall
far short of what is needed.
Commenting following confirmation that the Executive will receive
£17.2 million in 2026/27 towards heating oil energy support,
Minister O'Dowd said: “While the Westminster Government has
acknowledged the need for financial support for households facing
steep increases in home heating oil costs as a result of the
ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the £17.2 million allocated
falls far short of what is required.
“More than 60% of households here, over 480,600 homes rely on
home heating oil and are therefore particularly vulnerable to the
price shocks we have witnessed.
“On the basis of the support currently being offered by
Westminster, this would amount to roughly £35 per household. I
think people will be genuinely shocked and disappointed at how
limited that support is.
“Given the limited funding from Westminster I think it's only
right and proper we target those on the lowest incomes.”
Minister O'Dowd continued: “I will be meeting the Chief Secretary
to the Treasury later this week, where I will make clear that the
Westminster Government must do more to support workers and
families. This is particularly important given the high reliance
on home heating oil here.
“I will be engaging with my Ministerial colleagues to ensure
support is delivered quickly and makes a difference to those most
in need.”
Notes to editors:
1. The number of households with oil central heating from Census
2021 is 480,636 https://www.nisra.gov.uk/system/files/statistics/census-2021-ms-e11.xlsx
2. Home heating oil prices have risen on average by 90% between
26 February and 12 March. Oil price increases are from the
https://www.consumercouncil.org.uk/home-heating/price-checker/archive?created=All&exact[min]=2026-02-26&exact[max]=2026-03-12
