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  • Archibald calls for urgent support for those hardest hit by rising energy prices

    Date published: 14 March 2026

    Following discussions this evening on rising energy prices with the British Government, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said it was essential that any planned intervention was “meaningful, targeted, and delivered without delay.”

    Speaking after her meeting with Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Martin McCluskey MP, Dr Archibald said: "People are struggling right now with the sudden increase in energy prices, especially home heating oil, and those on the lowest incomes are feeling it most. 

    "Following engagement with the British government last week, I met Minister McCluskey this evening and made clear that urgent support is needed.

    “I stressed the importance of continued joint working between the British Government and the Executive to ensure an effective mechanism is put in place which can be delivered upon quickly. 

    “We need a solution that delivers real, practical support for people across the north. And to keep under review the support required, and measures to ensure transparency in pricing particularly for those depending on home heating oil.”

    The Minister said she would continue to press for coordinated action to ensure assistance is delivered as soon as possible.

    Notes to editors:

    1. For media enquiries contact the Department for the Economy Press Office at pressoffice@economy-ni.gov.uk 

    2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

    3. To keep up to date with news from the Department for the Economy you can follow us on the following social media channels:

    • X – @Economy_NI
    • Facebook – @DeptEconomyNI
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    • LinkedIn – Department for the Economy NI


     

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