The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has recommended extending consumer protections for heating oil customers to match those available to households connected to the gas grid.
The proposal targets rural areas, such as the West Midlands, where families rely on oil for heating and have long faced less regulated pricing structures compared to their urban counterparts.
The recommendation seeks to address concerns over price volatility and lack of transparency in the off-gas network market.
By aligning regulations, the CMA aims to provide greater certainty for consumers who are currently exposed to sharper price swings without the same level of oversight as grid-connected users.
This development comes as energy costs remain a focal point for policymakers and households alike.
While broader inflationary pressures have eased in some sectors, the cost of heating continues to impact disposable income, particularly in regions dependent on oil.