Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a financial support package to help Britons affected by rising energy prices due to the Iran war. During a press conference at Downing Street, Starmer outlined plans mainly targeting households that use heating oil, many of which are in rural areas of Northern Ireland.
Key Takeaways
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced financial support for households affected by rising energy prices due to the Iran war. The package targets heating oil users, many in rural Northern Ireland. Starmer criticized suppliers for price gouging and did not rule out canceling a planned fuel duty rise.
- £52.4 million support package announced for vulnerable households
- Support mainly targeted at heating oil users in rural areas
- Starmer criticizes suppliers for potential price gouging
- Fuel duty rise in September under review
The £52.4 million ($70 million) package aims to support vulnerable households facing increased costs from the surge in heating oil prices, which are not regulated by Ofgem's energy price cap. Starmer emphasized his government's commitment to supporting working people through this crisis, stating that his first priority is to help with the cost of living.
Starmer also criticized suppliers of heating oil for potential price gouging, noting that some deliveries already agreed upon were being canceled or renegotiated. The Competition and Markets Authority has begun a review into the sector and has written to suppliers requesting more information about their contracts. Starmer warned that if companies have broken the law, there will be legal action.
The announcement comes amid rising oil prices due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil supplies. The impact is being felt at petrol forecourts and in approximately 1.7 million UK households that use heating oil. Ministers are also considering canceling a planned fuel duty rise scheduled for September, although no final decision has been made.
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