Starmer Pledges Action on Heating Oil Prices Amid Middle East Concerns

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to prevent heating oil suppliers from exploiting the ongoing Middle East crisis to inflate prices, particularly impacting households in Northern Ireland. The pledge comes as global oil prices surge due to conflict in the region, directly affecting the cost of home heating oil.

Rising Heating Oil Costs in Northern Ireland

Approximately two-thirds of homes in Northern Ireland rely on heating oil, making the region particularly vulnerable to price fluctuations. Unlike other parts of the UK and Ireland, the heating oil market in Northern Ireland is currently unregulated, allowing for potentially unchecked price increases. According to the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, the cost of a 900-litre fill of oil rose from £536.72 (€622.11) on February 26th to £948.41 (€1,099.30) by March 5th [Irish Times].

Government Response and Investigation

Starmer, during a visit to Belfast on Thursday, March 12, 2026, emphasized the necessitate for “fair, transparent and justifiable” pricing. The government has requested the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate heating oil prices and has warned it will take action, including potential regulation, if companies are found to be engaging in profiteering [Independent]. He stated the government “will not tolerate profiteering or unfair practices” and will “not hesitate to step in” if customers are being “fleeced or ripped off” [Irish Times].

Broader Cost of Living Concerns

The Prime Minister’s visit to Belfast also addressed the broader cost-of-living crisis affecting Northern Ireland. He met with the First Minister, deputy First Minister, and leaders of the five main Northern Irish political parties to discuss measures to alleviate financial pressures on households [Gov.uk]. The government highlighted a record Spending Review settlement aimed at supporting economic growth and reducing the cost of living in Northern Ireland [Gov.uk].

Comparison of Heating Oil Usage

Heating oil usage varies significantly across the UK and Ireland:

• Northern Ireland: Approximately 62% of households
• England and Wales: Approximately 3% of households
• Scotland: Approximately 5% of households
• Republic of Ireland: Approximately 26% of households

[Irish Times]

The Prime Minister emphasized that global instability has a real impact on working people and acknowledged concerns about the financial implications of the Middle East conflict, particularly for those reliant on heating oil [Gov.uk].