11/11/2026
Archibald To Bolster Home Heating Oil Protections
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced plans to improve protections for households that rely on home heating oil in Northern Ireland, outlining a package in the Assembly aimed at enhancing consumer safeguards while ensuring any intervention is proportionate, practical and cost-effective.
The measures include creating a comprehensive register of heating oil suppliers in partnership with the Trading Standards Service and exploring use of HMRC's Registered Dealers in Controlled Oils scheme to increase market transparency. An opt-in register for vulnerable consumers, led by the Consumer Council, would help identify those most in need, while a new Priority Service Programme would provide protections comparable to those in the gas and electricity sectors and prioritise support during supply disruption or fuel shortages.
The Minister also intends to introduce a mandatory code of conduct for heating oil suppliers to clarify minimum order volumes, payment and delivery terms, charges and wider consumer protections. Consumer redress would be strengthened by giving the Consumer Council an enhanced role in resolving contract and service disputes and providing a clearer route to resolution.
The proposals respond to areas highlighted by the Competition and Markets Authority where targeted action could further reinforce consumer protections, dispute resolution and support for vulnerable households. The CMA's market study, published on 15 July 2026, concluded the inflationary spike in prices was driven primarily by international wholesale costs rather than local factors, and found the local market to be highly competitive, with the lowest prices across Britain and Ireland.
Minister Archibald said: "Many people here have been affected by the rise in home heating oil prices, caused by the US/Israeli attacks on Iran. The measures I am announcing today will strengthen protections for local consumers and make it easier to support vulnerable households who rely on home heating oil."
Following the CMA's report, a Home Heating Oil Working Group was established, bringing together officials from the Department for the Economy, the Consumer Council and the Trading Standards Service. The UK Government published its response to the CMA study on 13 October 2026.
The measures include creating a comprehensive register of heating oil suppliers in partnership with the Trading Standards Service and exploring use of HMRC's Registered Dealers in Controlled Oils scheme to increase market transparency. An opt-in register for vulnerable consumers, led by the Consumer Council, would help identify those most in need, while a new Priority Service Programme would provide protections comparable to those in the gas and electricity sectors and prioritise support during supply disruption or fuel shortages.
The proposals respond to areas highlighted by the Competition and Markets Authority where targeted action could further reinforce consumer protections, dispute resolution and support for vulnerable households. The CMA's market study, published on 15 July 2026, concluded the inflationary spike in prices was driven primarily by international wholesale costs rather than local factors, and found the local market to be highly competitive, with the lowest prices across Britain and Ireland.
Minister Archibald said: "Many people here have been affected by the rise in home heating oil prices, caused by the US/Israeli attacks on Iran. The measures I am announcing today will strengthen protections for local consumers and make it easier to support vulnerable households who rely on home heating oil."
Following the CMA's report, a Home Heating Oil Working Group was established, bringing together officials from the Department for the Economy, the Consumer Council and the Trading Standards Service. The UK Government published its response to the CMA study on 13 October 2026.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will stay mostly dry and after a mainly cloudy start to the morning, bright or sunny spells will increase at times. A few showers will build in the north and east towards the evening. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Clear spells in the south at first otherwise mostly cloudy with scattered showers in the north and west for a time in the late evening. Clear spells and frosty later. Minimum temperature 0 °C.