The SDLP spokesperson on the Environment John Dallat has called for immediate action to appoint a regulator for the oil industry.

The East Derry MLA said: "The announcement that oil heating prices are to rise by 3.5 per cent at a time when demand has fallen by 15 per cent has caused uproar among many constituents.

"Confidence in the ability of the oil industry to regulate itself has been waning for a considerable time and for many, especially older people, this is the straw that breaks the camel's back.

-- Advertisement --

"The Office of the First and Deputy First Minister and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment cannot sit on their hands any longer and must move to restore confidence in the oil industry and the only way to do that is appoint an independent regulator.

"This price-hike is brass-necked and has caused my offices to take an unprecedented number of calls today demanding to know what assembly members are going to do about this.

"The SDLP position is very clear – the oil industry, despite its slick public relations cannot regulate itself and must be made accountable just as other providers of electricity and gas are."

(CD/GK)