AQW 41626/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 02/03/2026
Answered On Date: 28/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail any engagement she is having with (i) the UK Government; (ii) the Irish Government; and (iii) international partners, in relation to the rising cost of oil as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Answer:

I and my officials engage on a regular basis with counterparts in the British and Irish Governments across a range of policy and operational issues. In recent weeks I have raised this matter directly with the British and Irish Energy Ministers, the British Minister for Trade, and Ministers from the Scottish and Welsh administrations, as well as with energy industry and business representatives, including the Competition and Markets Authority.

Throughout these engagements I have made a clear case for people here to be supported through this energy shock and, as the situation develops, I will continue to press for urgent additional support as the £17 million announced on Monday 16 March is clearly inadequate to help those who are struggling with rising oil prices.