Doherty: Record prices show government detached from reality on home heating oil

Donegal Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, has accused the government of being detached from reality when it comes to the crisis hitting home heating oil and other fuels.

New data published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows that home heating oil has hit its highest prices on record and petrol and diesel the highest since 2022. 

Speaking after the publication, Teachta Doherty said: “Home heating oil hit the highest prices since record began 30 years ago yet the government has done nothing to help people suffering from this energy shock.

“They are detached from the reality facing over 700,000 households that rely on oil to heat their homes now facing the highest prices on record.”

He continued: “Sinn Féin, a month ago, brought forward legislation to reduce the cost of home heating oil by cutting all excise duty on the fuel so many people depend on. Shamefully the government voted against Sinn Féin’s proposals and did absolutely nothing themselves to reduce the cost of home heating oil for workers and families.

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“Not only have they failed to act. They are planning to make matters worse when they increase tax on home heating oil in a matter of weeks.

“The government needs to come to their senses and reduce the cost of home heating oil and other fuels urgently.”