With students across Northern Ireland already facing a perfect storm of rent and food cost hikes, many say that a spike in fuel prices is the final straw.
The cost of a barrel of oil has reached over 100 pounds due to the Iran war, and this has filtered through to heating oil and petrol prices when people are already facing a cost-of-living crisis.
Fuel prices are rising fast following the US and Israeli war against Iran. On the 9th April 2026 petrol prices rose overnight from 149.1p to 153.1p, according to the Consumer Council. Diesel prices also increased dramatically, going from 177.8p to 185.6p. Before the conflict diesel was just 132.6p and petrol was 124.8p.
Emily, a second-year student at Ulster University has felt the impact of rising fuel prices firsthand. She said that she has had to cut back on her spending and cannot even afford to go to work, due to the cost of transport, saying she wonders, “if it’s even worth the drive.”
Emily added: “Travelling has become much more expensive, making me think about how often I can afford to drive.”
“The cost of food is already high and getting higher and while I budget, it has really created extra financial strain.”
Emily commutes to university, making the increasing cost a challenge in terms of attendance, making the hike in prices an additional challenge due to limited public transport options.
The First Minister and Deputy First Minister have sent a joint letter to the prime minister calling for intervention on fuel prices with Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly saying: “We are deeply concerned about the escalating pressures facing families, workers and businesses as fuel and energy costs continue to rise.
“The cost of fuel is putting significant pressure on, with increases not sustainable.
Adding: “These costs are inevitably being passed on further, deepening the cost-of-living crisis. Families and businesses cannot continue to absorb these sustained increases without intervention.”
The cost of heating is also an issue for many. Northern Ireland has the highest level of reliance on home heating oil in the UK, with almost two-thirds of homes (62.5%) in Northern Ireland use oil for heating. This cost is leaving some students having to choose between heating and eating.
According to the latest delivery prices, heating oil has increased in cost from 56.86p per litre in February, to 117.7p per litre in April.
Megan, a 20-year-old second-year student said: “We’re having to ration the heating, we don’t even turn it on during the day.”
“What makes it difficult is I live in a shared house, so it becomes a bit of a row over whether to turn it down.”
A recent survey of over 600 students by the National Union of Students NI showed that over half of those asked had gone without heating. Forty-four per cent of students said they face difficulty paying housing costs, and a further 22 per cent missed class because they could not afford the price of public transport.
While the costs are spiralling for many, the university is trying to offset some of the impact. Chris Murray, VP and student officer, from UU Students’ Union, said they are doing all they can to aid students.
“We offer support and guidance to students who might be struggling financially.”
“There has been a rise in all things money – bills, fuel, electricity, heating, housing, you name it. That’s really detrimental to students, especially on Coleraine campus because we have a large volume of commuters that rely on affordable fuel prices.”
“It’s only going to get higher which is unmanageable for our students. The university and students’ union will put every effort into making that affordable for students.”
The stress of living costs also affects students’ mental health. No student should have to ask the question ‘Will I be able to eat this week?’
