Understand
Shropshire heating oil users face soaring costs and tough choices between fuel and food
Overview
Households in Shropshire and across the UK that rely on heating oil are facing significantly higher fuel bills, with prices nearly doubling due to market rises since the start of the Iran war. Many residents are forced to limit their purchases or choose between heating their homes and buying food, while charities and campaigners call for stricter regulation, price caps, and VAT cuts on heating oil.
Key points
- Heating oil prices have risen significantly, with many users paying nearly double compared to the previous year.
- About 15% of households in Shropshire rely on oil-fuelled central heating, rising to 53% in the South Shropshire constituency.
- Some residents are now forced to choose between heating their homes and buying food due to the high cost of bulk orders.
- The government has announced plans to tighten regulations, promote competition, and review minimum order levels, though campaigners argue this does not go far enough.
- Campaign groups such as Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) have called for an immediate VAT cut on heating oil and LPG to support off-grid households.