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Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland are over £1 per litre, more than double the ten-year average price, and prices have only been higher for one week this decade according to the Consumer Council’s weekly heating oil survey, published today.

The summer travel period is upon us. With recent air and sea travel disruptions in mind, the Consumer Council is helping Northern Ireland holidaymakers prepare for their upcoming journeys with its Top Travel Tips.

Following the cancellation of a number of recent flights in and out of Northern Ireland, the Consumer Council has issued advice.

As EasyJet cancel six incoming and six outgoing flights from Belfast International Airport (correct as of 3:30pm 26 May 2022) because of an ‘IT systems failure’, the Consumer Council is reminding those impacted by cancelled flights of their consumer rights.

Richard Williams, Head of Transport at the Consumer Council, advises: If your flight is delayed, cancelled or you are denied boarding, you are entitled to assistance, including food, drink, and overnight accommodation if needed. Passengers should keep receipts for any expenses and also keep any evidence of any contact made by EasyJet.

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must also offer you the option of:

• a refund within seven days; or

• alternative transport to your final destination.

EasyJet have confirmed that their earlier IT issues will be classed as non-extraordinary, therefore you should submit a compensation claim if your flight was cancelled today. EasyJet advise customers due to travel with them to continue to check their online Flight Tracker for the status of their flight before making their way to the airport. To claim compensation, you can complete an online form on easyJet’s website.

If you remain dissatisfied with the airline’s response, you can get in touch with the Consumer Council by calling 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk and we will take up the complaint on your behalf.

Consumers can find out more about their passenger rights by visiting our Air Passenger Rights information.

Cancellation compensation rates

As the statutory body representing air passengers flying in and out of Northern Ireland, the Consumer Council is reminding those impacted by cancelled flights of their consumer rights. This advice comes after several easyJet flights from Belfast International Airport have been cancelled and a TUI flight from Greece to Belfast has also been cancelled.

Please be aware that holiday timetables will operate on Easter Monday (18th April) and Easter Tuesday (19th April) for those considering a day out or a short trip.

In the week following the five pence cut in fuel excise duty, the Consumer Council’s research shows the average price of unleaded petrol and diesel across Northern Ireland have dropped by 3.4p and 1.9p respectively.

P&O Ferries have confirmed that sailings to and from Larne – Cairnryan have resumed. 

In 2018 Irish Ferries' new ship, the W.B. Yeats, was delayed and there was a knock on effect for a significant number of bookings. Passengers had to sail on different dates and some from different ports than they had booked.

The Consumer Council has launched a new Transport Knowledge Hub, containing over a decade worth of Northern Ireland-specific transport data.