Fuel Oil: Rural Areas
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the impact of recent increases in the retail price of domestic heating oil in rural areas; and what steps his Department is taking to ensure that households reliant on kerosene heating are protected from excessive or unjustified price rises.
Answered by Martin McCluskey
Unlike gas and electricity markets, heating oil is bought on the spot market, making it more exposed to short‑term volatility in global oil prices, which we recognise is a significant concern for those reliant on it.
The Secretary of State has written to the industry reminding heating oil distributors of their commitments under the UKIFDA Code of Practice, including the need for fair, transparent and justifiable pricing.
Following discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority, we welcome its comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry.
We are working closely with the CMA to understand their findings and develop options to increase consumer protections in this sector, including potential regulatory measures.
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