Home heating oil prices are up 18 per cent to an average of €964 for 1,000 litres in a further blow to consumers this winter.

Earlier this week it emerged that natural gas and electricity prices were set to increase this winter on the back of a series of decisions by the State’s energy regulator.

Yesterday the National Consumer Agency published details of a survey showing home heating oil costs are also on the rise.

The study found that the average cost of supply and delivery of 1,000 litres of the fuel is up 18 per cent this year, at €964 from €818 in 2011.

Home heating oil costs have risen 44 per cent since 2010. The agency’s figures show that two years ago the cost of supply and delivery of 1,000 litres was €670.

However, the NCA’s director of research and policy, Fergal O’Leary, said consumers could get a better deal through shopping around and bargaining with their suppliers.

The survey examined quotes across 24 areas, including Ballina. Seven quotes were received in Ballina and the price variations between the lowest and the highest quotes received  was  €30. The highest price recorded in Ballina for 1,000 litres of home heating oil was €980 while the cheapest quote came in at €950.

Nationally eight of the 24 areas surveyed had price variations of €40 or more between the lowest and highest quote. Sligo recorded the lowest variations at €10.

Overall, the national average price for the delivery of 1,000 litres of home heating oil was €964.The highest price recorded in Ballina  for  1,000 litres of home heating oil was €980 while the cheapest quote came in at €950.