by Rebecca Hannant
Residents across Holderness have raised concerns after a sharp rise in heating oil prices, with some households reporting that the cost of filling their tanks has doubled in recent days.
The increase follows turmoil in global oil markets linked to the conflict involving Iran in the Middle East, which has pushed up wholesale oil prices and quickly fed through to heating oil costs.
Concerned about the cost, people across the region have contacted Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart to raise their concerns and called for more action from the Government.
Heating oil is used by about 1.5 million homes across the UK, many in rural areas not connected to the gas grid. Unlike mains gas and electricity customers, heating oil users are not protected by the energy price cap.
According to Mr Stuart, one woman in Preston said the cost of her next order had increased from £350 to £620, while another from Ottringham reported the cost of filling her tank rising from £600 to £1,200. A resident from Sunk Island said she had already paid the higher price this week at 120p per litre.
Mr Stuart has now joined other MPs in writing to the Competition and Markets Authority calling for an urgent investigation into the heating oil supply market, citing concerns about price gouging, poor transparency and lack of competition.
At the same time, Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, has written to the Government calling for mandatory price transparency so heating oil suppliers must publish their prices publicly. Mr Stuart is also highlighting oil-buying cooperatives, where neighbours combine orders to purchase heating oil in bulk at lower prices.
One example locally is the Humber and Wolds Rural Action cooperative.
Energy secretary Ed Miliband, writing to Ken Cronin, CEO of the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association, said: “These sharp rises have caused concern among households and businesses, particularly in rural communities that rely heavily on heating oil and are therefore most exposed to rapid price movements.
“We recognise the work you are doing in difficult market conditions to deliver fuel and appreciate the constructive engagement demonstrated by industry representatives in recent days. However, we want to make clear that the Government will take all action necessary to protect households.
“We want to strongly remind you that the industry remains fully subject to consumer protection and competition law, overseen by the Competition and Markets Authority.”
Mr Stuart said: “Many homes across Beverley and Holderness rely on heating oil, yet rural communities are too often forgotten when energy prices rise.
“Families on oil don’t get to choose when they buy it. When the tank runs dry, they must fill it, whatever the price. That is why I launched this survey on Friday and acted immediately to raise these cases in Westminster. I welcome Claire Coutinho’s action and I have joined colleagues in asking the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate the market.”
Ms Coutinho said: “Rural families are being fleeced by rip-off heating oil suppliers who are using the war in Iran to price gouge, and I am glad that Graham is standing up for his constituents in Beverley and Holderness on this issue.
“Ed Miliband and the Government need to make sure there is transparency in heating oil prices to protect consumers who have seen their bills double in less than a week.”
How you can help prevent fuel theft
Humberside Police have issued safety advice to help prevent fuel theft as global tensions in the Middle East continue to push up oil prices.
Although the force says it has not yet seen a significant spike in offences, officers are urging residents and businesses to remain vigilant, as past trends have shown that rising fuel costs can lead to an increase in fuel siphoning incidents.
In response, police have shared a five-point plan to help “deter and detect” thefts.
One of the key recommendations is for property owners to regularly check storage tanks.
Electronic monitoring systems are also advised, as they can trigger an alarm if a sudden drop in fuel levels is detected, indicating a theft may be in progress.
Owners are also encouraged to install specialised tank locks or anti-siphoning devices to prevent easy access.
Tanks should be placed in well-lit, visible locations where possible, with security lighting and CCTV also recommended.
Residents are also being asked to look out for neighbours and report any suspicious activity by calling 101 for non-emergencies or 999 if a crime is in progress.
Further advice has also been issued for HGV drivers, who are encouraged to avoid parking in lay-bys where possible and instead use designated HGV parking areas covered by CCTV or secure yards.