keir starmer visited Belfast this morning (ET) as households reported cancelled heating oil orders and dramatic price hikes. Households relying on heating oil have seen bills double, orders cancelled and some unable to get deliveries since the US and Israel began their assault in Iran. The prime minister said the government will act against companies that hike prices without justification and will meet Northern Ireland leaders to press for measures to protect families.
Keir Starmer confronts heating oil surge in Belfast
The crisis has left many households exposed because heating oil is bought in bulk and is not price-capped. About 1. 7 million households in England and Wales rely on kerosene for heating and hot water, and in Northern Ireland the rise has been especially acute: the average cost of 900 litres climbed from £536. 72 on February 26 (ET) to £948. 41 on March 5 (ET). The government has asked the Competition and Markets Authority to look urgently at complaints of price gouging, and MPs from Northern Ireland met British treasury minister Lord Spencer Livermore to press for support.
Individual customers describe rapid rerating and cancelled deliveries. Nicki Weetman of Sturminster Newton, Dorset, who is undergoing chemotherapy, says she is rationing heat after a supplier cancelled her delivery. She paid £346 for 500 litres on 28 February (ET) but was refunded and quoted £841 to reorder on 9 March (ET). The intermediary Boiler Juice said it aims to prioritise vulnerable customers while it works to secure alternative deliveries.
Immediate reactions
British prime minister Keir Starmer said he would not tolerate profiteering, adding the government “will not hesitate to step in, and that includes on regulation. ” He said he would discuss protections for families with the First and Deputy First Ministers and leaders of the North’s largest parties.
Boiler Juice chief executive Tim Buckman said he was “very concerned” about cancelled orders and that his company would investigate and offer support. A message from supplier Tincknell Fuels explained: “We were unable to fulfil the orders due to stock issues as we were let down by multiple suppliers over the whole week and, with prices rocketing up, we were not in a position to continue with the orders. ” Chris Wheeler of Bucklebury, Berkshire, said prices were heading “out of sight. “
The Competition and Markets Authority has been asked to examine complaints and the government has signalled it will act if companies are found to be unfairly exploiting the situation.
What’s next
Officials say urgent inquiries and political discussions are under way in Belfast and in London. The prime minister plans meetings with regional leaders and with people directly affected by the surge in home heating oil costs to shape immediate protections and possible regulatory steps. MPs and the treasury minister will continue to press for financial support and regulatory scrutiny while the Competition and Markets Authority investigates pricing complaints.
As the picture unfolds, keir starmer will be judged on measures to secure deliveries for vulnerable households and to curb unexplained price spikes that many families say are pushing them into rationing heat.
