A Lifford Councillor has hit out at recent home heating oil price hikes.
In the wake of the outbreak of war in Iran, many home heating oil suppliers in Donegal have upped their prices notably.
As Donegal Daily reported yesterday, the average price of buying 500 litres of home heating oil in the county has spiked by over €50 compared to figures from the end of January.
Sinn Fein Lifford-Stranorlar Councillor Gary Doherty says that constituents have contacted him “in genuine distress” over the price hikes, which are placing even more financial strain on already-struggling households.
“Families across Donegal are contacting me in genuine distress. A 20–30% overnight increase in heating oil is simply unsustainable. Many households were already struggling with the cost of living, and this sudden spike has caused real anxiety,” the Councillor said in a statement.
“For many families in Donegal, heating oil isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Rural communities are particularly exposed because so many homes rely on oil as their primary heat source. Government must recognise the scale of what is happening and act decisively.”
Amongst the measures the Councillor would like to see adopted include awarding of immediate emergency electricity credits for householders, a reduction of the VAT rate on fuel, and “stronger protections for working families against further energy price shocks.”
“Families cannot be left to shoulder this alone. The response must be swift, targeted and meaningful. Donegal households deserve certainty and support during this period of instability,” he said.
Lifford Councillor hits out at heating oil price hikes was last modified: March 3rd, 2026 by Daniel Brennan
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