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Oil's well for happy Inishowen homes 24.07.14

INISHOWEN householders are enjoying an extended holiday from their heating bills thanks to the long hot summer.
Many homes haven't switched on their central heating in several months as the country swelters in the high heat and humidity.
Fuel suppliers are reporting business from domestic customers at almost a standstill since late April. But with the good weather optimum for harvesting, busy Irish farmers are making up the shortfall.
"We always see people cutting back substantially during the summer months but this has been a particularly long warm spell of weather and people have completely switched off their heating," said Mark Doherty of A&N Fuels in Co Donegal.
"When our summers weren't as good, you might see a bit of usage when the evenings got cooler but it's been warm around the clock lately.
"It's the farmers that are keeping us busy these days because they are out and about using their tractors and machinery a lot more because of the good weather."
Mr Doherty added: "Older people tend to keep their tanks topped up by buying smaller amounts throughout the year whether it's summer or winter. But we won't see a return to normal domestic demand until September when the schools go back."
Last summer when Ireland saw the longest running heat-wave for two decades, fuel suppliers saw demand for home heating supplies drop by between 30 and 50 per cent. That figure is likely to be higher this year since the mild weather kicked in earlier and has stayed longer.
However, the Irish Petroleum Industry Association (IPIA) which represents kerosene suppliers across the country, said the very hot summer would have little short-term impact.
"People tend to buy home heating fuel when they need it rather than stock pile in the summer. As regards the future (price), we are not in a position to make predictions," said an IPIA spokesperson.
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