Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on rural communities of the increase in the cost of diesel with regard to fuelling vehicles and heating homes.

The Government recognises that increases in diesel prices can disproportionately impact rural communities, where households and businesses often rely more heavily on road transport and, in some areas, off-grid heating fuels.

We continuously monitor developments in international and domestic fuel markets and their impacts on consumers and businesses across the UK.

To help mitigate cost pressures, the Government has frozen fuel duty since taking office and extended the 5p cut in fuel duty to 31 December. Eligible households may also receive support through the Winter Fuel Payment and Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Alongside these measures, we keep the impacts of fuel prices on rural communities under constant review.