Starmer warns heating oil firms as he visits Belfast over cost-of-living pressures

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

Families across Northern Ireland who rely on heating oil to warm their homes could see stronger protections against price hikes, as the Prime Minister visits Belfast today, Thursday 12 March, to warn companies against profiteering.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is using the visit on Thursday to send what Downing Street describes as a “strong message” to heating oil suppliers that prices must be fair, transparent and justifiable — and not inflated at the expense of working households.

The move comes amid growing concern that global instability could push energy costs higher, particularly in Northern Ireland where a majority of homes depend on heating oil rather than mains gas.

Warning to heating oil companies

Speaking ahead of meetings with political leaders and community representatives, the Prime Minister said the government would not hesitate to step in if companies were found to be exploiting consumers.

“Global instability has real impacts on the lives of working people across the UK, and I know families in Northern Ireland are worried about what the war in the Middle East could mean for their finances – especially given so many households rely on heating oil to heat their homes,” he said.

“Let me be clear: we will not tolerate profiteering or unfair practices. If companies fleece customers or rip them off, we will not hesitate to step in, and that includes on regulation.

“This government stands with working people, no matter the headwinds. Today in Belfast I am spending my time meeting not only the politicians making decisions in Stormont, but also the people whose lives are shaped by conflicts abroad and the approach we take at home.”

Meetings with Northern Ireland leaders

During his visit, the Prime Minister is meeting the First Minister, the deputy First Minister and leaders of the five main political parties in Northern Ireland.

Discussions are expected to focus on what the UK Government says it is doing to make people in Northern Ireland “better off”, including measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures.

The government has already asked the Competition and Markets Authority to urgently examine reports of extortionate heating oil prices. The Financial Secretary to the Treasury has also held discussions with Northern Ireland MPs about possible further action.

Wider cost-of-living measures

The Prime Minister will also highlight broader measures the government says are helping households across Northern Ireland.

These include the fuel duty freeze and the new open data Fuel Finder scheme, which the government says is saving the average driver in Northern Ireland £89.

Up to 140,000 people in Northern Ireland are also said to be benefiting from increases to the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage.

Officials say Northern Ireland is additionally benefiting from what the government describes as a record Spending Review settlement aimed at reducing the cost of living and supporting economic growth.

Listening to local communities

Following his meetings with political leaders, the Prime Minister is also expected to speak directly with members of the local community during his visit.

The conversations are intended to focus on how government policies can help families facing financial pressures linked to global conflicts and rising living costs.

It is understood the Prime Minister will also visit the Republic of Ireland later today.

At a glance

• The Prime Minister is visiting Belfast on Thursday to focus on cost-of-living pressures.

• He warned heating oil companies that unfair price increases will not be tolerated.

• The government says it could step in with regulation if companies exploit consumers.

• The Competition and Markets Authority has been asked to urgently examine heating oil prices.

• The Prime Minister is meeting the First Minister, deputy First Minister and leaders of Northern Ireland’s five main political parties.

• Wider measures highlighted include the fuel duty freeze and the Fuel Finder scheme.

• Around 140,000 people in Northern Ireland are benefiting from increases to the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage.

• The visit also includes discussions with members of the local community about cost-of-living pressures.