As home heating oil prices climb to their highest level in years, one local councillor in Co Tyrone has launched an initiative to help local residents save on their bills.
Newly co-opted Sinn Féin councillor Patrick Withers has started an "oil club" in the Mid Tyrone area, where members can club together to order heating oil in larger quantities and ultimately save cash.
Oil prices locally have seen unprecedented rises, and with prices potentially set to rise further following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, heating costs could place further pressure on struggling families.
The local councillor said the sharp rise in prices is hitting local people hard.
“After being co-opted to the Council in January, I decided I would follow the example of some other councillors such as Darren Totten in Mid Ulster and work on developing an oil club in the local area to help mitigate against the impact of rising energy costs,” Patrick told MyTyrone.
“The average price of home heating oil in the North has increased by a third since the middle of September, rising from £147 to £206 for 300 litres according to figures from the Consumer Council and these costs are not likely to reduce in the short term.
“This sharp rise is hitting people hard and more families than ever before are struggling to cope with paying their bills. People are reaching out and asking for help to get them through this cost of living crisis.
When buying home heating oil locally, bigger orders generally means bigger discounts, and the local councillor said it was a good way for the community to come together and help each other.
He added: “The oil club therefore is a great way for the local community to come together and take advantage of lower prices that are achieved by making a combined bulk order.
“I have mainly advertised the club on social media as well as some leafletting and there has been a good response.
“I had initially targeted residents in the Beragh and Sixmilecross area however those living in other neighbouring parts of Mid Tyrone can also get in touch with me and we can work on getting them included.”
