Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has written to the British Government warning that steep increases in international oil and natural gas costs are placing significant strain on homes and firms across the north.

The move follows a dramatic spike in home heating oil, with many consumers seeing prices jump by more than 80% in less than a week.

Her appeal builds on discussions held last week with Irish and British Government counterparts, along with business, consumer and industry representatives, about the severe rises in petrol, diesel and heating oil.

Writing to Department for Energy Security and Net Zero minister Michael Shanks MP, Dr Archibald expressed deep concern for local people — particularly lower income families, vulnerable consumers and employers — already grappling with the broader cost-of-living pressures. The Minister said: "Unprecedented price spikes, following the Israeli/US attack on Iran, are being felt by local homes and businesses across the north. With so many people already struggling with the cost of living, the speed and scale of these increases risk causing real hardship and need to be met with support from the British Government like that made available following the Ukraine invasion."

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the British Government introduced a range of measures to shield consumers and employers from extreme volatility, including reductions in unit costs for domestic electricity and gas, and targeted wholesale energy price discounts for businesses and the public sector.

The Minister added: "These measures made a real difference during the last energy crisis. Given the scale of the current price shock, it is essential that similar options are examined urgently. Households and businesses here must not be left to bear the brunt of these costs."

Dr Archibald said she remains in active contact with the Irish and British Governments, the Utility Regulator and industry stakeholders as the situation develops.