To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) whether any assessment has been made of the rising cost of home heating oil, as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East; and (ii) any action she can take to ensure consumers are protected from significantly increased costs.

I have been closely monitoring the scale and pace of price increases, which have been significant, and I remain in close contact with counterparts in the British and Irish governments to understand the broader market impacts. This monitoring will continue as global events evolve.

In response, I held a round table discussion with fuel suppliers and retailers on 5 March to emphasise their responsibility to act fairly and transparently, and my officials are working with our agencies to ensure there is no unjustified increase in costs for consumers.

Given that more than 60% of households here rely on home heating oil, I have also pressed the British Government to consider appropriate forms of support, similar to what was provided following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, to protect households and businesses from further financial pressure.