THE Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is bracing for a rise in requests for assistance, as fuel costs surge across Donegal.
Locally, the price of 500 litres of home heating oil has skyrocketed by over €200 in just a matter of days, while diesel is creeping close to €2 per litre at some filling stations.
The increase seen at the pumps is directly linked to the ongoing unrest in the Middle East.
A number of people from Donegal who are living in the region have also been impacted, with many making efforts to return home.
As the fall-out from the war impacts locally on the cost of fuel, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned against ‘price gouging,’ adding that no one should take advantage of the global uncertainty to hike prices on fuel and home heating oil.
Rosa Glackin, Regional President of SVP North West, has also raised concern, noting that the rise in fuel prices will only add to the growing cost of living crisis across the county.
“The whole cost of living is on the up all the time and this is going to add to the pressure that people are under to make ends meet.
“It’s a tight balance as it is, and this is going to put extra pressure on people in that situation,” said Ms Glackin.
“We most definitely expect a rise in requests for help.”
She emphasised that rising fuel costs will particularly impact working families and those on tight budgets.
Ms Glackin also raised serious concerns about the nourishment children are getting as families try to cut back or manage their budgets.
“The household diet isn’t as good as it might be because people can’t afford their groceries to the same extent,” she said.
She also highlighted the knock-on effect of rising petrol and diesel prices, as many people rely on their cars for work, adding extra costs on top of their heating expenses.
This is compounded by rising electricity costs. Bill pay customers, who expect their next bill this month after a long, harsh winter, will also feel the pinch.
Ms Glackin referenced figures released last week, showing the number of people in arrears with their electricity bills has increased year on year.
Nationally, the number of people unable to pay the full amount of their energy bills rose from 264,000 in December 2024 to nearly 320,000 last December.
Ms Glackin said in recent years energy credits have provided vital relief and without them, many households are now struggling to cope.
“The loss of them in the last budget had a big impact. We are seeing more and more people in arrears,” she said.
St Vincent de Paul is at the front line, helping those in need. They rely heavily on their charity shops, which are located around the county.
“People donating to our shops or shopping as customers helps us to help others,” Ms Glackin said.
