Swinney – UK government must 'get a move on' with heating oil support

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has called on the UK government to act swiftly in providing support to households grappling with soaring heating oil costs. Swinney highlighted the urgency of the situation after heating oil prices in Scotland surged dramatically, especially following recent geopolitical tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Approximately 130,000 households in Scotland depend on heating oil, with prices escalating from 67.92p per litre at the end of February to 147p per litre by early March, coinciding with the onset of military actions in the Middle East.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stated that funding has been identified to assist homeowners affected by these energy price hikes, although specific measures have yet to be revealed. Meanwhile, Martin McCluskey, Minister for Energy Consumers, assured that UK-wide support will be forthcoming from Westminster imminently, with details expected to be made public soon. Speaking on BBC Scotland’s The Sunday Show, McCluskey emphasized that there will be targeted aid for Scotland, recognizing that heating oil usage—and the resulting financial strain—is far more prominent in Scottish rural areas than in other parts of the UK.

The spike in heating oil prices stems largely from Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil transit route responsible for about 20% of the world’s supply. The ongoing conflict has doubled the heating expenses for many households, and interruptions in supply—resulting in order cancellations—have left some without necessary fuel. Unlike other energy sources, heating oil is not regulated by Ofgem’s price cap, which is set to decrease in April, further exposing users to volatile costs. Additionally, there have been warnings from Highland and island police about the increased risk of heating oil theft, as demand and prices rise.

John Swinney criticized the UK government for its slow response, describing ministers as “twiddling their thumbs” while rural families face skyrocketing living costs. He urged Westminster to “stop dithering” and take decisive action to alleviate the burden on households dependent on heating oil. The UK government has acknowledged public concerns about the fallout from global conflicts on the cost of living and has pledged to support families, balancing this with the need to protect public finances. Although Ofgem has announced a 7% reduction in household energy bills coming in April, experts warn that prices remain significantly higher than pre-conflict levels, and further increases could occur from July when the price cap is lifted. The complexity and volatility of the Middle East situation mean that energy costs remain unpredictable, placing further pressure on governments to respond effectively

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