Heating Oil Price Increases Impact Households in South-West England
Rising heating oil prices, driven by the conflict involving Iran, are compelling households in south-west England to use energy more sparingly. Residents in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset have reported that their heating oil bills have more than doubled since the conflict began following US-Israeli air strikes on 28 February.
Many individuals have expressed concerns to the BBC about the financial difficulties that rural families dependent on heating oil may face due to the increased costs. Local Members of Parliament have urged the government to provide assistance.
In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that the government will allocate £53 million to support vulnerable households affected by the sharp rise in heating oil prices.
Following the onset of the conflict, Iran issued warnings to vessels against passing through the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf, threatening to open fire on ships attempting to transit the area. Approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas shipments pass through this strait, but marine traffic has slowed since the war began. Several attacks on ships in the region have been reported in recent days.
'Significant Amount'
Gerald Salvat, a heating oil customer from north Devon, shared that prior to the conflict, he was quoted £345 for 500 litres (110 gallons) of heating oil. However, his most recent quote on 10 March increased to £825 for the same quantity.
"I think, for some families, it's really going to be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
On top of all the other pressures of price increases that we're going to see from oil going up so much, this is a significant amount that people are going to have to find extra each month."
Alan Dickinson, a resident of Bokiddick, Cornwall, reported difficulties affording heating for his home. Dickinson, who is disabled, stated that since the conflict began, his heating oil quotes have risen to more than £770.
"This is double what my last order was before the war,"
the 67-year-old said.
"I have about 100 litres (22 gallons) left in my tank, but I'm only using the central heating sparingly.
I'm a blue badge holder and have a heart and lung condition and need to keep warm."
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves acknowledged the issue, stating:
"Heating oil prices have spiked sharply, and I know that, for families in rural communities, that is a real and urgent problem."
The government specified that £27 million of the funding will be allocated to England, targeting low-income households in rural areas. This support will be distributed by local authorities through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which will come into effect on 1 April.
The allocation of funds was based on census data to identify areas with the greatest need. Additionally, the government plans to introduce consumer protections for heating oil customers.
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