Heating oil prices surge 47% as Suffolk homes face winter crisis

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 07:02 · Archive

Heating oil prices in Suffolk have risen above 110p per litre, affecting over 40,000 homes as winter approaches.

Heating oil is used in 13.2% of Suffolk homes, more than 40,000 properties, compared with 3.2% across England. Prices have risen nationally by 47% since July according to Fueltool, with Suffolk prices now pushing above 110p per litre. As weather turns colder, off-grid households dependent on heating oil are under growing pressure, with some residents already seeking financial support.

The government pledged £53m in March for low-income families using heating oil. Energy minister Polly Billington said: 'Thousands of heating oil customers felt they had nowhere to turn when they paid the price of rising oil and gas costs earlier this year. Energy is an essential good and people should not have to think twice about whether they're protected in the market.' The government has promised better regulation of the fuel sector to tighten rules, promote competition and give customers clearer routes to compensation.

Suffolk County Council said eligible residents can receive cash contributions towards essential costs including heating and food through the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme. Off-grid households can also apply for additional grant payments towards heating oil costs.

How it is being reported

• Heating oil crisis puts squeeze on 40,000 homes as prices surge 47%Suffolk heating oil prices top 110p per litre, putting rural and off-grid households under pressure as the county council offers grants and welfare support.East Anglian Daily Times · 20 Oct, 06:00
• Heating oil crisis puts squeeze on 40,000 homes as prices surge 47%Suffolk heating oil prices top 110p per litre, putting rural and off-grid households under pressure as the county council offers grants and welfare support.Ipswich Star · 20 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Suffolk · England · Polly Billington · Suffolk County Council

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem