Aphra Brandreth, MP for Chester South and Eddisbury, has raised concerns about the recent rise in heating oil prices affecting households across the constituency. The issue is particularly worrying for families who live off-grid and rely on heating oil because they are not connected to the gas network.
Aphra joined more than 50 Conservative MPs in writing to the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA), urging the watchdog to investigate heating oil suppliers to ensure consumers are protected, and prices remain fair. Read the letter to the CMA here.
Following that letter, the CMA has confirmed it is treating the issue as a priority and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if any wrongdoing is uncovered. Read their response here.
The regulator is currently looking at two particular areas of concern, including existing orders being cancelled and then reissued at a significantly higher price, as well as price rises on automated deliveries linked to tank-level monitoring systems.
Aphra thanks residents who have been in touch about rising heating oil prices and encourages everyone to continue sharing their experiences, as this helps her build the strongest possible case.