Finance Minister John O'Dowd and Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald have called on the British Government to provide immediate and substantial support for households facing sharp increases in energy costs, with a specific focus on those reliant on home heating oil.

The call follows a meeting between Dr Archibald and Martin McCluskey MP, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. During the discussions, the Economy Minister emphasised that any planned intervention must be "meaningful, targeted, and delivered without delay."

Dr Archibald stated: "People are struggling right now with the sudden increase in energy prices, especially home heating oil, and those on the lowest incomes are feeling it most."

She continued: "I stressed the importance of continued joint working between the British Government and the Executive to ensure an effective mechanism is put in place which can be delivered upon quickly. We need a solution that delivers real, practical support for people across the north. And to keep under review the support required, and measures to ensure transparency in pricing particularly for those depending on home heating oil." Finance Minister John O'Dowd echoed these sentiments, highlighting that a significant number of local households depend on heating oil and are not protected by the energy price cap. He confirmed he has written to the Treasury to seek clarification on how proposed support will apply to Northern Ireland.

"Many households are already under significant financial pressure and the sharp increase in heating oil costs is causing real concern, particularly for families and older people who depend on oil to heat their homes," Mr O'Dowd said.

"I welcome the Chancellor's acknowledgement that support is needed. However, that support must be meaningful, timely and delivered in a way which supports oil-fired central heating customers as well as other consumers. In the north, a very significant number of households rely on heating oil. Any package which fails to properly recognise that reality will leave many families exposed at a time when they can least afford it."

The Finance Minister added that it is vital for any intervention to reflect the circumstances of those vulnerable to global oil price spikes.

"People need certainty that support will be fair, accessible and sufficient to make a real difference," he concluded.

Both Ministers have pledged to continue pressing the British Government for coordinated action to ensure that assistance is delivered as quickly as possible to protect families from further cost-of-living pressures.