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Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 Starmer vows to crack down on 'profiteering' from fuel crisis

The prime minister is in Northern Ireland and is expected to hold talks with party leaders and visit a community centre.

* Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to crack down on companies in Northern Ireland "profiteering" from the fuel crisis.
* He says prices must be "fair, transparent and justifiable" and not inflated at the expense of working people.
* Almost 2/3 of homes in Northern Ireland use oil for heating, making them most reliant among UK nations.
* Industry data shows prices have more than doubled since the US attack on Iran.
* The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is engaging with suppliers to investigate consumer protection law concerns.
* Sir Keir says if companies hike prices without justification, the government will act.
* He has asked the CMA to look urgently at the extortionate fuel prices.
* Local party leaders are expected to pressure him for more financial support for families struggling with energy bills.