Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland have risen dramatically in just a week as freezing temperatures take hold.
In the week from December 8 to December 15, the price of 900 litres of heating oil increased by around £80, from an average price of £766.16 up to £847.26, according to the Consumer Council.
For 400 litres, prices a week ago averaged £433.81 while they are now up to £484.53.
Read more: Cold Weather Payments: NI postcodes entitled to £25 per week
The Consumer Council's Home Heating Oil Checker shows that prices decreased from £523.52 on October 13 to £418.85 on December 1 before rising again.
It comes as Northern Ireland faces an arctic chill which has brought with it some of the coldest weather conditions in almost two years, while the cost of living crisis means many people are struggling with energy bills.
Cold Weather Payments have been triggered for some parts of Northern Ireland due to cold temperatures. The payment is available when the average temperature is recorded or is forecast to be zero degrees centigrade or below, for a period of seven consecutive days.
Payments of £25 will be paid out for each seven day period of cold weather, and this will be immediately paid out for those who are entitled to it with no need to apply.
Daytime temperatures in the past week have struggled to get past 0 C, with night time temperatures reaching subzero.
Weather warnings have been in place in recent days for ice and snow.
Temperatures on Thursday night are expected to reach -5 C, with the weather for Friday showing patchy rain and snow is possible, but conditions will be dry for most.
Much of the brightness on Friday will be centred around Belfast and Newry, with maximum temperatures of 5 C.
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