A Leitrim Councillor says the government levies on oil prices are driving customers across the border in search of better value while at the same time crippling low income families.

A report in today’s Irish Independent claims that the cost of home-heating oil is surging in the North West as the winter sets in.

It’s estimated that around one million homes rely on kerosene-based heating oil in this Country with many households dealing with and with recent electricity price rises.

Today’s report also found significant differences between prices in the North and the Republic, with higher taxes and levies here seen as the main factor widening that difference.

Kinlough Councillor Justin Warnock says the increased will hit low income families most.  He also warned of the impact that the high prices will have on local oils suppliers close to the border.