Lagan Valley MLA speaks out over spike in the price of home heating oil
Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford has raised concerns about spike in cost of heating oil prices as a result of increased tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking at Stormont, Mr Honeyford asked what emergency support is being discussed with the Department for Communities for households already in fuel poverty.
He also pressed for clear contingency planning if prices continue to climb in the weeks ahead.
"People here should not be paying the price for war somewhere else,” said Mr Honeyford.
"When crude oil prices rise by 10% and local prices of oil jump by almost 40%, the public rightly, rightly will call and ask who's benefiting.
"The public rightly will call out how quickly prices can rise dramatically, instantly, but never seem to come down at the same rate of knots.
"Because here's the reality. Around 68% of our homes rely on heating oil.
"Every time there's an energy spike, it instantly lands directly on the table of families here.
"That is precisely why Alliance has continually and consistently argued that the heat hole in heating oil should be regulated and fall within the remit of the regulator.
“If suppliers are simply passing on wholesale costs, then show the working. Publish the numbers. Restore public confidence.”
Mr Honeyford questioned what engagement will take place with the oil suppliers and the industry locally and the consumer council.
"Northern Ireland is the most exposed part of these islands to global oil and gas shocks.
"We cannot control global conflict but we can control how we protect people here,” he added.