Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps she is taking to ensure consumers are protected from oil price increases.

The government is engaging regularly with refiners, importers and distributors to ensure any emerging risks are identified and managed promptly. Households should be reassured the UK benefits from strong and diverse security of energy supplies, and there are no issues with fuel supply.

The government recognises the pressures facing households who rely on heating oil. This is why we are providing an additional £53 million of targeted support for those vulnerable households who would struggle to pay an upfront lump sum to top up their tanks in order to maintain their heating and hot water.

This funding has been allocated based on census data, reflecting where the greatest need is. Northern Ireland will receive £17.2 million, England £27 million, Scotland £4.6 million, and Wales £3.8 million.