Scottish Government Introduces Heating Oil Support Fund
The Scottish government has established a £5.4 million fund aimed at assisting lower-income households that depend on heating oil to heat their homes.
Impact of Middle East Conflict on Oil Prices
The conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran triggered a sharp increase in oil prices at the beginning of March.
Approximately 142,000 households in Scotland use heating oil, with average prices rising significantly from 67.92p per litre on 28 February—the day US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran—to 147p per litre by 8 March.
Details of the Emergency Heating Oil Scheme
The Scottish government announced that its emergency heating oil scheme would commence on 1 April, with eligibility criteria to be published in the coming days.
UK Government Support Package
Earlier in the week, the UK government revealed a £53 million support package.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the assistance would be focused on helping low-income households in rural areas.
Across the UK, about 1.5 million households use heating oil. The issue of rising prices is especially severe in Northern Ireland, where nearly 500,000 homes rely on heating oil, representing almost two-thirds of all households.
Statements from Scottish Officials
Scotland's Energy Secretary, Gillian Martin, commented on the situation, noting the rapid increase in oil prices since the conflict in the Middle East began.
"That is why the Scottish government is announcing today we will more than double the amount available to support Scottish households struggling with heating oil prices," said Martin.
"We will commit an additional £5.4m on top of the £4.6m allocated by the UK government."
Martin also acknowledged the UK government's support but described it as offering "limited" assistance to Scottish households.
