AQW 44206/22-27

Mr Stewart Dickson
Alliance Party
East Antrim

Tabled Date: 17/04/2026
Answered On Date: 08/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail (i) any engagement he has had with home heating oil suppliers and distributors to ensure there will be no price gouging, and that small loads can be delivered without price penalty; and (ii) whether he will promote the use of oil buying clubs.

Answer:

My Department is engaging with a range of stakeholders to inform the practical delivery of the home heating oil support scheme. This has included discussions with the Northern Ireland Oil Federation representing local oil distributors, National Energy Action, the Fuel Poverty Coalition, and the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. Further engagement is planned throughout the process to help protect consumers against price gouging.

The Oil Savings Network, part of the NI Energy Advice Service, funded by my Department and delivered by the Housing Executive offers support and advice on purchasing oil. This scheme is open to all householders and further information can be found here: https://www.nihe.gov.uk/housing-help/ni-energy-advice/oil-savings-network. This scheme will be actively promoted as part of the launch of my Department’s Heating Oil Support Scheme.

In parallel, the NI Energy Advice Line, provides free and impartial advice on managing fuel costs, accessing support schemes, and making informed decisions about energy use, including options available to oil heated households.