'I fear for wee families' - home heating oil jumps £100 in three weeks

After a period of respite home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland have climbed

The price of home heating oil is on the rise again after a period of respite.

Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (CCNI) figures show that in just three weeks the average cost of 500 litres of home heating oil has jumped from £346.59 to £445.37 – an increase of £98.78 (29%).

The organisation's Raymond Gormley said the price rise is in response to the escalation of fighting between the US and Iran.

About two thirds of Northern Ireland households use home heating oil, by far the highest of any UK region.

Home heating oil prices peaked at £612.37 for 500 litres on average in April and had dropped to a low of £346.59 for the same amount earlier this month.

The most recent CCNI figures, external show 300 litres of home heating oil costs an average £276.23 – up from £216.44 on 2 July.

A delivery of 900 litres now costs an average of £789.07 – an increase of £173.84 since 2 July.

Agnes, pictured with her granddaughter Abbie, said the price of gas is now "on par" with home heating oil

Speaking to BBC News NI in Belfast city centre, Agnes Jackson said she is concerned about the general cost of living.

Agnes said she switched from oil to gas in recent years as it was cheaper but "now it's on par".

She added that before making the switch, she had to be decisive about the household spending.

"For oil it wasn't as if you could go and buy it like gas at £40 - it was hundreds supplying oil," said Agnes.

Rosie and Patrick McGivern said the price increase is "terrible"

Having bought oil before May when prices were high, Rosie and Patrick McGivern say they are concerned about the increasing price.

Patrick added the colder winter months is going to be the "main problem".

"The weather's been good, people don't need to put on heating, but in two or three months' time things will change, and it looks like there's only one way the oil's going at the moment and that's up," he said.

The McGiverns said they don't believe home heating oil is affordable for the average family in Northern Ireland.

"We're lucky enough because we are retired and there's just us living in the house," Patrick added.

"We don't have to look after children or grandchildren but I think for the ordinary family an increase is terrible."

Emma Rose Creaner shared her concerns about the cost of living crisis

Emma Rose Creaner has concerns about the cost of living and the oil price increase, particularly for families that need support.

"When we go back into winter it's going to be really hard, especially on