Mayo woman 'left freezing in her home' due to oil price hike - TD

A Mayo TD has raised concerns that one of her constituents is freezing in her home because she run out of heating oil.

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh revealed a letter she received from the person in recent days

It outlined: "I have recently run out of oil due to the massive price hike, which is reported to be up to 60% in some areas. I simply can't afford to refill the tank.

"As a result, I'm left freezing in my own home, which is not a situation anyone should face in 2026. This is becoming completely unmanageable, and it's wrong.

"The government is punishing and crippling the average worker. This requires more than finger wagging and a slap on the wrist.

"This is not about comfort, it is about basic living conditions and health. No one should be forced to choose between heating their home and meeting other essential expenses."

Commenting, the Erris-based TD said: "She, like others, has been hit with the largest hike in the price of home heating oil in the EU, at almost eight times the EU average.

"At the same time, the government charges almost double the EU minimum fuel tax rates, taking up to 65% of the price at the pump.

"Coming down the tracks on May 1, the planned carbon tax will bring increases as well.

"Not only is the government planning to leave things the same, it is planning to increase them.

"It makes no sense to this woman and to so many other women who are suffering.

"We need to give real relief to the people and businesses who simply cannot afford to wait any longer."