The announcement follows rises in the cost of gas , fuel and electricity .

Yesterday, the Belfast Telegraph revealed that the cost of running a car in Northern Ireland has risen by up to £2,105 in just 12 months.

The bleak news also follows the revelation that consumers need to fork out an extra £800 on their annual grocery bills.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said many people in Ulster a " bleak, cold winter".

"With these huge increases in gas, oil, coal and electricity many households will be facing a bleak, cold winter and we must do more in the short term.

"Northern Ireland is colder than the average UK region but has the highest fuel and energy costs.

"There is a very strong case for a substantial increase or substantial refocusing of Winter Fuel Payment so that it is of maximum benefit to those facing hardship and cold this winter

Smokeless fuels will also rise by around 15%.

The Coal Advisory Service blamed the increases on increased transport costs and the global energy market.