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Chancellor announces heating oil support as bills double for rural households

Chancellor to offer support over rising heating oil costs

If you heat your home with oil rather than gas, your bills may have doubled in recent months – and the government has finally stepped in with help.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a support package for the 1.7 million households in England and Wales who rely on heating oil (kerosene) for warmth and hot water. In Northern Ireland, the figure is even higher, with 62.5% of homes depending on it. The announcement comes after global oil prices surged due to the Middle East conflict, hitting rural households particularly hard.

**Why aren't heating oil prices capped?**

Unlike gas and electricity bills, which are protected by Ofgem's energy price cap, heating oil prices aren't regulated. This leaves households vulnerable to market volatility. While the energy price cap is set to fall by 7% in April for gas and electricity users, those on heating oil have seen their costs soar with no protection at all.

**What support is coming?**

Reeves told the Times she has "found the money" to help struggling households and confirmed the Treasury is exploring "different options" for vulnerable people. Details of the support package are expected to be announced early next week, so watch this space.

**What about gas and electricity?**

For those on standard gas and electricity, bills should drop slightly in April. However, prices remain about a third higher than before the Ukraine war, and the situation could worsen from July when the price cap is next reviewed – wholesale gas prices could push bills up significantly again.

**What should you do?**

If you use heating oil, don't panic – help is on the way. In the meantime:

- Contact your supplier if you're struggling to pay

- Check if you qualify for the Warm Home Discount or Winter Fuel Payment

- Look into grants from your local council

Keep an eye on government announcements early next week for full details of the heating oil support scheme. If you're in fuel poverty, contact **Citizens Advice** or **StepChange** for free, confidential help with energy bills and debt.

Source: Chancellor to offer support over rising heating oil costs

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