Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that families are being hammered by massive increases in the cost of home heating oil and fuel, accusing energy companies of exploiting the crisis in the Middle East to drive up prices while the government refuses to intervene.

Teachta Crowe said:

“People have been contacting me in shock at the huge jump in the price of home heating oil and fuel in recent days. Some have seen quotes going up by 80% since Monday.

“Some households are reporting increases of hundreds of euros for a delivery of heating oil, while motorists are also seeing sharp hikes at the pumps.

“Families were already under enormous financial pressure. Now companies appear to be exploiting international events to squeeze even more profit out of households who are already struggling.

“The government should be hauling the bosses of these companies in and demanding answers. They need to make it clear that exploiting a crisis to fleece households will not be tolerated.

“Yesterday in the Dáil the Taoiseach acknowledged that there is ‘no excuse’ for price gouging. In the very same breath, he doubled down on the government’s plan to increase carbon tax.

“That tells you everything you need to know about how out of touch this government is with the pressure people are under.

“Instead of simply asking regulators to review the market, the government must take direct action to protect households.

“Families cannot be left at the mercy of companies hiking prices while the government sits on its hands.

“Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael need to intervene to stop this rip-off and scrap plans to increase carbon tax that will only drive up the cost of heating homes even further.

“Workers and families need to know that their government has their back. Right now, families feel like they are on their own.

“That has to change and it has to change quickly.”