Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether the decision to accept the Competition and Markets Authority’s recommendations for a new regulatory regime for heating oil suppliers will be extended to suppliers of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); and what assessment she has made of the adequacy of consumer protections for households that rely on LPG.

Answered by Martin McCluskey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government published its formal response to the CMA heating oil report on 13 October, and plans to strengthen regulations in the market for the first time, making sure households who use heating oil are treated fairly.

The CMA did not cover LPG in their report, but we will if appropriate consider other heating fuels as we gather evidence to develop a proportionate regulatory regime, as recommended by the CMA.

This will take time to get right, to ensure the best outcomes for all consumers, including the most vulnerable households.

Our commitment in our response to the CMA is a clear indication of government’s commitment to create a fairer, more resilient and trusted heating oil market, which delivers stronger protections including those for vulnerable consumer, while preserving competition and security of supply.  The Government is regulating the heat oil sector for the first time.

A Written Ministerial Statement can be found here: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

The full response can be found here: Government response to the CMA heating oil market study - GOV.UK]