Iran crisis causes a world-wide fuel panic – local reaction
• Dark Times Ahead: Down News Has Put Together What Various Government Ministers, Business and Community Representatives are Saying About The Impending Fuel Price Rises – will it blow over or blow up ?
This read may be much longer than what you are accustomed to. But given the gravity of the situation of escalating fuel prices, and shortages, it is necessary to try and analyse and understand what is going on in the world and nationally and regionally here in Northern Ireland.
Local Downpatric sectors, said: “I have watched the price of oil go by over £1 a litre and rising since the start of the Iran war. Oil prices globally have shot up and this impacts on business across the board.
“There is now also a shortage of kerosene needed to fuel planes and the cost of flying has gone through the roof.
“Asia seems to be buying up the available supply. Before the blockage of the Straits of Hormuz, a tanker with a load of kerosene was heading west when it was diverted to Asia as the price rocketed up on the stock market.
“Fuel is determined by a world market. North Sea oil doesn’t affect the price much. There is a new price set each day such is the volatility of the fuel markets.
“There is a growing shortage of diesel and that will certainly affect farmers and the fishing industry in County Down directly.
“We are doing our best to keep prices as low as possible as this crisis unfolds.”
40% of the world’s heating oil comes from Qatar, and the United States refines around 20-22% of the world’s crude oil which provides diesel, kerosene etc.
Strangford Fuels recently acquired Milligan Oil based in Ardglass following the retirement of Clem Milligan.
Urgent action needed by PM on fuel and energy costs say First Minister and deputy First Minister
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have written to the Prime Minister urging him to take immediate action in response to the escalating impact of rising fuel and energy costs on households and businesses here.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said jointly: “We are deeply concerned about the escalating pressures facing families, workers and businesses as fuel and energy costs continue to rise.
“The cost of fuel is putting significant pressure on, with increases not sustainable. These pressures are being felt in family homes here and beyond.
“Alongside rising fuel costs and escalating energy bills, there is also an impact on businesses.
Our hauliers, our farmers, and small and medium-sized enterprises are facing sharply increased operating costs too and these costs are inevitably being passed on further, deepening the cost-of-living crisis.
“Families and businesses cannot continue to absorb these sustained increases without intervention which is why we are calling on the Prime Minister to bring forward a package of measures to support those under pressure.
“This package should include a reduction in fuel duty to ease pressure on both households and businesses, targeted support for hauliers, farmers and SMEs and a comprehensive cost of living support package.
“Given the scale and immediacy of this crisis, we have asked the Prime Minister to act decisively and without delay.”
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Rising Demand for Heating Oil Support Highlights Urgent Need for Action Says SVP
Calls to The Society of St Vincent de Paul for help with heating oil costs have more than doubled on the number received in March last year, underscoring the growing financial pressure on households and the urgent need for increased support.
New figures revealed by SVP show that requests for assistance to its Regional Office in Belfast rose by 126.5% in March 2026 compared to the same month last year.
This sharp increase reflects the deepening cost-of-living challenges faced by families and individuals living in poverty and, in particular due to the rise in the cost of home heating oil, as almost two-thirds of homes (62.5%) in Northern Ireland using oil for heating, the highest proportion of UK nations.
Mary Waide, SVP National Vice President, said: “The rise in calls to our Regional Office in Belfast for people who cannot afford to put oil in the tank is absolutely shocking and these figures only capture the people who are brave enough or willing to lift the phone. I’m sure there are many more who need help but just don’t know how to request it or are too afraid to ask.
“Even with the brighter evenings, it is still bitterly cold and for people we are visiting, who are sitting in a cold and often damp home, there is little to no feeling of the arrival of spring. While SVP volunteers are out in our local areas doing all we can to provide much needed assistance, the reality is that demand is far outpacing the limited resources we have available. Without additional support, many households will continue to struggle to heat their homes.”
Last year alone, £5.5 million in support was distributed by the Society, made possible entirely through generous public donations.
However, with demand rising so significantly, there is growing concern that current levels of funding will not be enough to meet need in the months ahead.
The charity is now calling for increased donations to expand its reach and ensure more families can access vital support. At the same time, there is a clear call for greater statutory intervention to address the systemic challenges driving fuel poverty.
“We would urge anyone who needs help to contact us and with increased donations we can extend our support further and reach more people in crisis,” said Mary.
“But charitable efforts alone are not enough, government needs to take a holistic and urgent approach to tackling poverty by recognising that households are being hit simultaneously by rising fuel, energy and food costs.
“We need structured, long-term solutions, and greater statutory support, to address the dire and ever-increasing cost burdens being placed upon families and individuals.”
Mary added: “As energy costs remain volatile and financial pressures continue, the message is plain and simple – without urgent action and increased resources, many vulnerable households in communities right across the Region risk being left in the cold.”
To seek help from SVP or to donate, please visit:
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UFU writes to Prime Minister warning of impact of rising costs on food production
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has written to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, highlighting serious concerns about increasing volatility in agricultural input costs and the potential impact on food production.
Representing approximately 12,000 farm families across Northern Ireland, the UFU has warned that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are creating significant uncertainty for the sector, particularly in relation to fertiliser, fuel and energy prices.
UFU President William Irvine said recent global events have once again exposed the vulnerability of food production systems to external shocks.
“Farmers have already experienced the impact of global instability following the war in Ukraine, where sharp increases in fertiliser and energy prices placed enormous pressure on farm businesses,” said Mr Irvine.
The UFU has emphasised that Northern Ireland agriculture is particularly exposed due to its reliance on imported inputs. Fertiliser and fuel represent a significant proportion of on-farm costs across all sectors, including the arable industry, which is especially vulnerable to fluctuations in input prices.
“For our arable farmers, fertiliser and fuel are fundamental to crop production,” Mr Irvine said. “Any sharp increase in costs has an immediate and direct impact on margins, at a time when many in the sector are already under significant financial pressure.”
The Union highlighted that many farming sectors, including beef, dairy and cereals, are currently experiencing a financial squeeze, with rising costs continuing to outpace returns. “Across the board, farm businesses are dealing with tight margins and ongoing uncertainty,” Mr Irvine added.
“The prospect of further increases in input costs will only add to that pressure, making it even more challenging to maintain viable and sustainable food production.”
The Union also highlighted the knock-on effects of rising energy costs across the wider supply chain, including processing, transport and distribution. “These pressures do not stop at the farm gate,” Mr Irvine added. “Higher energy costs will inevitably feed through the entire supply chain, contributing to increased food prices and placing further strain on consumers.”
The UFU warned that many farm businesses are already operating on tight margins while managing ongoing policy changes, environmental requirements and market uncertainty.
Further increases in input costs, outside of farmers’ control, could have serious implications for farm viability and the resilience of the local food system.
Concerns have also been raised about the lack of transparency in fertiliser and fuel markets, with farmers often forced to make purchasing decisions without clear or timely pricing information.
“This lack of transparency makes it extremely difficult for farmers to plan and manage their businesses effectively,” Mr Irvine said. “It adds unnecessary risk at a time when confidence is already under pressure.”
In response, the UFU has called on the UK Government to take coordinated and proactive action, including improving market transparency, strengthening supply chain oversight and recognising fertiliser and energy as strategically critical inputs for food production.
The Union has also urged greater clarity on future policy developments, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and called for close engagement with the Northern Ireland Executive and DAERA to ensure local farming systems are fully considered.
“Food security is national security,” Mr Irvine said. “A sustainable and profitable farming sector is essential not only for producing high-quality food, but also for supporting rural communities and delivering environmental outcomes.
“Farmers are committed to playing their part, but they cannot continue to absorb escalating costs and increasing levels of risk without the right support and clear direction from government.”
The UFU has requested direct engagement with government to discuss both the immediate challenges facing the sector and the longer-term actions needed to strengthen the resilience of agriculture in Northern Ireland.
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British government must offer more support for fuel crisis says Hughes
Sinn Féin MP Dáire Hughes has said the British government must do more to help those affected by the rising fuel crisis.
The Newry and Armagh MP was commenting as Sinn Féin MPs supported a letter to the British Prime Minister which outlines a call for temporary immediate reduction in costs of fuel here in the North.
Mr Hughes said: “The British Prime Minister must step up and deliver urgent, meaningful support to tackle soaring energy costs driven by Israeli – US attacks on Iran.
“Families, households, and businesses across the north are under severe and growing pressure.
“While the British government can find billions for weapons and warfare, workers and families here are being left behind to shoulder the burden of rising costs alone. That is unacceptable.
“We need a strong, united voice from across all parties to demand immediate intervention.
“Sinn Féin MPs have joined with other MPs from the North to press this case, calling for decisive action to cut fuel prices to ease the strain on our communities.”
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Ulster Unionist Party responds to Planned fuel protests across Northern Ireland
The Ulster Unionist Party acknowledges the growing public and business frustration over soaring fuel and fertiliser costs across Northern Ireland. While recognising the right to protest, as a Party we would stress that demonstrations must remain lawful, protect access to the road network, and never hinder emergency services.
A Party spokesperson said: “The Ulster Unionist Party fully understands the frustrations being felt by everyone and businesses across Northern Ireland who are being hammered by sky high fuel costs.
“We also recognise the serious pressures facing our farmers, who are dealing with mounting fertiliser costs that will inevitably have knock on effects on food prices for everyone.
“Everyone has a legitimate right to protest, but it is a qualified right. Any protest must be lawful, must respect other people’s right to use the road network, to go about their daily lives and to run their livelihoods. Most importantly, protests must not impede the vital work of our emergency services.
“The Ulster Unionist Party will continue to call on the UK Government to implement a realistic, long-term plan for a substantial cut in fuel duty and to do so immediately.
“Working families, businesses and our farming community need support. These are the people being punished simply for going out to work and keeping our economy moving. Freezing or reversing duty increases is no longer enough; the Government needs bold action now.”
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Fishing Industry Is On Its Knees says Ardglass Fisherman
An Ardglass skipper said that the fishing industry across County Down is on its knees because of the huge hike in diesel fuel prices.
He added: This time last year it cost the boat £3500 a week or so to fill our tank now it costs £7500. It’s just insane.
“My boat burns up around £1500 a day on diesel and it has just become unsustainable to fish. I need to land 50 stone of prawns a day to pay for the rise in prices before I make a penny.
“It’s a perfect storm for the fishing industry. Fuel prices have shot up; prawn prices have gone down; the contract coast for foreign crews has gone up; general costs in maintaining the boat have shot up. It’s just become unviable.
“When September arrives and the prawn season ends, it will be hard to catch £1500 worth of landing a day between bad weather and catch drop off.
“There are smaller vessels than mine. But every skipper and boat opwner in the fleet is hurting at the moment and the government seems to have forgotten that we exist.
“And there is little we can do to diversify as we are constrained by quotas and licences.
“Our industry is important as we provide food from a national security perspective, and if the fishing and farming industries collapse then we do have a serious problem.
“The government needs to back us up in some way. We are now at the point of total unsustainability. For many of us fishing is in our blood and we’ll fish to the last… and that may sooner than later.”
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Eastwood challenges UK Government to do more on energy crisis
Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood has called on her fellow MPs to join together to send a message to the UK Government that it needs to do more to help people here through the energy crisis.
The Lagan Valley MP has asked other Northern Ireland MPs to co-sign a letter which makes several asks of the Government.
They include a reduction in fuel duty as well as scrapping the proposed increase in it, consideration of removal of VAT from home heating oil, and increasing windfall taxes on energy companies.
Sorcha – who has also written to the Prime Minister alongside her Party Leader Naomi Long MLA – said such moves would help ease the pressures many households are under, given the specific circumstances of Northern Ireland.
She added: “The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having an impact throughout the world, with people here facing rising energy and fuel costs making life unbearable for many people and businesses,” said Ms Eastwood.
“Northern Ireland has been particularly exposed, given our reliance on home heating oil, high rates of fuel poverty and poor public transport links. It’s sadly not surprising we have seen fuel prices rise faster here than most of Europe.
“Therefore urgent action needs to be taken by the UK Government to ease that pressure. The proposed help discussed thus far is far from adequate and is forcing many to choose between heating their home or other essentials.
“We need to see an immediate reduction in fuel duty and ultimately scrapping of its proposed increase. We also need to give consideration of removing VAT from home heating oil, agricultural diesel and general commercial use.
“This can all be partially funded by increasing windfall taxes on energy companies, given the recent increase in share prices in recent weeks. The war windfall they are receiving would be morally and economically repugnant if left unchecked.
“It is vital we speak with a united voice on this matter and that’s why I’ve asked my fellow local MPs to sign this letter, so we can push the UK Government to provide whatever assistance they can, for the benefit of all our constituents.”
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Farmers For Action Considering Options For Joining UK-wide Fuel Protest
Farmers For Action considering UK-wide Tax and Fuel Protest
As concerns deepens across the UK, farmers in Northern Ireland just have to look across the border in the ROI to see the mayhem that the fuel crisis has caused.
William Taylor, Farmers For Action co-ordinator said: “Farmers For Action are privileged to be asked by farm organisations across the UK and accompanied by support from organisations across these islands to consider a UK-wide TAX AND FUEL PROTEST.
“Currently we are agreed to wait and watch over the coming days with reference to fuel prices and Governments reactions to the plight that family farmers, SME’s, the haulage industry and the UK’s work force finds themselves in.
“There is huge concern that current policies are failing to address the pressures facing key sectors of the UK economy.
“It should be noted that Farmers For Action was born out of the fuel strike of 2000, where the UK was brought to a standstill for five days until Government listened – a lot was learnt. Today AGAIN this is a big problem – and Government is not acting in the interests of their people!
“We Can’t Afford to Feed You Anymore!“
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