Northern Ireland reports rising heating oil thefts amid surging energy prices

The short version

• Police statistics record 45 heating oil thefts across Northern Ireland from January to June 2026, approaching the 59 incidents logged across all of the prior year.[BBC News]
• Since 2021, authorities have recorded 600 reports of oil and fuel thefts across Northern Ireland.[BBC News]
• The surge follows sharp increases in heating oil costs, which affect roughly two-thirds of households in Northern Ireland and 80% in rural areas.[BBC News]

Key facts

• From January to June 2026, Northern Ireland registered 45 oil thefts, compared to 59 during the entire previous year.[BBC News]
• Police figures record 600 reports of fuel and oil thefts in Northern Ireland since 2021.[BBC News]
• The Consumer Council stated that the average price for 500 litres of heating oil rose from £346.59 to £445.37 during July.[BBC News]
• Around 62.5% of homes in Northern Ireland rely on oil heating, with rural reliance reaching roughly 80%.[BBC News]
• The Rural Community Network charity reported that over 1,000 litres of heating oil were stolen from its Cookstown tank in 2024.[BBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• 'We were target of sinister heating oil theft and want to warn others'BBC News - Business