Fuel Surge Pushes Home Care Worker to Choose Between Work and Bills

**TL;DR:** A home care worker in Northern Ireland says rising fuel costs now exceed his mileage reimbursement, forcing him to choose between going to work and paying bills. This mirrors a 20% drop in global oil trade after the Strait of Hormuz closure, which has pushed petrol to 154p per litre and diesel to 188.1p.

**Context:** Kevin Brewer works as a domiciliary carer in Donemana, County Tyrone, driving about 70 miles each day between clients’ homes. His employer reimburses 20p per mile, leaving a shortfall when fuel prices rise. He recently reported borrowing money to fill his tank and said he cannot afford either to go to work or to stay off.

**Key Facts:** Petrol in Northern Ireland averages 154p per litre and diesel 188.1p, up from pre‑conflict levels of 124.8p and 132.6p respectively. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries roughly one‑fifth of global oil trade, has been closed, halting about 20% of the supply used to make petrol and diesel. Brewer said he used to spend £30 every two days on fuel for work; that cost has now risen to £70. He noted that many colleagues are cutting heating and food to afford travel.

**What It Means:** The fuel price increase creates a direct financial strain on low‑paid home care workers whose mileage rates often do not cover actual costs. This pressure correlates with higher risk of staff turnover, which could reduce community care capacity for elderly and vulnerable clients. Practical takeaways for workers include seeking updated mileage claims or employer subsidies; for policymakers, monitoring fuel‑linked wage adjustments and targeted support schemes may help retain staff. The Stormont executive has approved a £100 heating oil payment for low‑income households, though carers like Brewer are not eligible.

Watch for upcoming reviews of mileage reimbursement rates and any expansion of fuel assistance programs to home care staff.