Asked by: Laura Kyrke-Smith (Labour - Aylesbury)
Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, (i) what steps he is taking to improve transparency and competitiveness in the heating oil market, and (ii) what protections and monitoring he is putting in place for consumers that use the heating oil market.
Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Heating oil customers are not tied to a single supplier and can shop around for the best price, supported by commercial price comparison websites. Unlike gas and electricity, 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.
We continue close engagement with industry to ensure pricing is fair and transparent, the CMA is ready to act against any unfair or anti‑competitive behaviour. We are keeping under review whether any further action may be needed to protect consumers.