Home heating oil prices jump almost 60% in a year, CSO Says

Quite the increase for a year

The new CSO figures were reported by The Irish Times on Thursday.

The CSO also noted that oil prices climbed a further 7.2% between August and September alone.

Meanwhile, a similar squeeze was felt by motorists, as petrol is up 14% and diesel up 22% on the year.

On the other hand, Diesel averaged €2.06 a litre last month, while petrol cost €1.96.

Why home heating oil prices are climbing this winter

The increase is caused by the global supply pressure, which was worsened by the renewed US air strikes on Iran.

Meanwhile, trade routes have remained constrained due to the lack of a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"In the month of September we saw significant price movements for fuel and home heating oil", CSO statistician Anthony Dawson said.

Government support for households this winter

As part of Budget 2026, the Government raised the social welfare fuel allowance by €5 to €43 a week.

For its remaining term in office, it also cut carbon tax on home heating oil to €48.50 a tonne.

Separately, Fine Gael has signalled that the fuel excise cut will stay in place as Budget 2027 approaches.

As bills climb, many Irish households are weighing every option.

That includes whether leaving the heater on low all day actually works out cheaper than switching it on and off.