Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps his Department is taking to ensure fair pricing practices for (a) domestic heating oil and (b) liquefied petroleum gas.

The Government remains committed to supporting those households most affected and to addressing the rising costs linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The Energy Secretary welcomes the Competition and Market Authority’s comprehensive examination of the heating oil industry to ensure customers are treated fairly. Wholesale prices for heating oil have risen more sharply than for LPG and concerns in the heating oil sector were raised immediately. The CMA will apply its person-centred, needs-based approach as appropriate, and its general operating principles extend to addressing any potential concerns in the LPG market. The Government will continue to monitor the situation and will not tolerate profiteering or unfair practices.

As part of the Chancellors announcement on 16 March, £53 million has been made available to assist low-income families facing rising fuel costs. Households using LPG will be eligible for the £27 million of this support available in England, which will be distributed by local authorities through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) from 1 April.