Heating oil customers face tough winter despite shake-up promise
The UK government has promised new regulations for the heating oil market to protect consumers from soaring prices and unfair practices. Despite these promises, there is no immediate cap on heating oil prices, leaving many households facing a difficult winter.
Why it matters
Rising energy costs are a major cost-of-living issue for rural UK households that rely on heating oil rather than the gas grid.
Image source, Getty Images By Kevin Peachey Cost of living correspondent Published 1 hour ago Heating oil customers facing soaring bills have been promised better regulation of the sector by the government.
Ministers say they will tighten up rules, promote competition and give customers clearer compensation routes if things go wrong. Minimum order levels, set for some customers, will be reviewed.
With prices close to having doubled in the past year, some campaigners have called for heating oil customers to benefit from the same cap as regular, variable gas and electricity tariffs in England, Scotland and Wales.
But there is no sign of the government proposing such a change, nor when the stricter rules will take effect.
Ministers said they would work with industry to "develop a regulatory regime for the heating oil market, protecting consumers and promoting competition".
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