Ulster Unionist Economy spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has warned that rising global instability is now directly impacting households across Northern Ireland, with home heating oil prices climbing sharply.

In a statement, Diana Armstrong MLA said: "The escalating conflict in the middle east is once again demonstrating how events thousands of miles away can have direct and immediate consequences for households here in Northern Ireland.

"I’m concerned by the sharp increase in home heating oil prices across Northern Ireland, evidently triggered by ongoing uncertainty of supply oil through the strait of Hormuz

"Suppliers have already hiked prices, with some of my constituents quoted £636 for 1100 litres last Thursday, now facing £920 today, a shocking rise in just days.

"This is pushing the average cost of 500 litres of kerosene above £400 and continuing to rise. This represents a staggering £100+ increase compared to last week.

“Northern Ireland is disproportionately affected, as so many of our households rely on home heating oil for warmth, particularly during these challenging times".

She added that “this surge will place immense pressure on families already struggling with the cost of living”.

“My party has written to the regulator, calling for a thorough investigation to ensure there is no profiteering by suppliers amid this global volatility," she added.

“We must protect consumers and hold the industry accountable.”