Saudi East-West Oil Pipeline
Debate between Earl Russell and Baroness Antrobus
Baroness Antrobus (Lab)
We do not know how long it will take for Saudi Arabia to repair the pipeline. Reports are varied, but some are optimistic that it will be sooner than that. I will, respectfully, take advice from our Saudi Arabian allies first and foremost. As the noble Lord would expect, there are conversations going on between our allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Earl Russell (LD)
My Lords, I too welcome the Minister. Again, it is fossil fuels that prove insecure in supply and volatile in price. The attack on this pipeline, carrying 4% of global oil, will pile further pressure on prices already inflated as we head into winter. We can ill afford another fossil fuel crisis. How robust, therefore, are our energy supplies? As the Prime Minister has promised to take the difficult decisions, will a social tariff be introduced this winter so that families can afford to heat their homes?
Baroness Antrobus (Lab)
I thank the noble Earl for a very important question. The UK clearly continues to have a robust and secure supply of gas, oil and other fuel products to meet demand, through a mixture of domestic production and imports from a diverse range of countries, some of which I have mentioned. We know that worry about energy prices is at the forefront of people’s minds, and I understand that. We will keep looking at what we can do to protect families from unaffordable bills. I have already mentioned some of the areas in which we have been trying to make their lives better. We are also helping the homes most in need, such as those in rural communities that need heating oil. This is the top of the agenda, and we will continue to review it.