Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what discussions he has had with his Cabinet colleagues in relation to the rising price of home heating oil in Northern Ireland.

We understand that heating oil pricing is a significant issue for households in Northern Ireland. The Minister for Energy met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland this week to discuss the impacts to households.

The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing. Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, the CMA are launching a comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry. We will work closely with the CMA to understand findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector.

The Chancellor has also allocated £17m to support the most vulnerable customers in Northern Ireland.