Britain plans to bring stronger consumer safeguards to the heating-oil market, where households buying fuel for their tanks lack many protections available to gas and electricity customers.
In a response published on October 13, the government said it would develop regulatory options with Ofgem, devolved administrations, suppliers and consumer representatives. About 1.5 million British households use heating oil, many in rural areas beyond the gas grid.
The Competition and Markets Authority’s July market study recommended authorising distributors, prioritising vulnerable customers and requiring consistent supply terms and access to independent dispute resolution. Those are recommendations for the framework being considered, rather than duties already imposed by today’s announcement.
The government’s response identifies price quotations, cancelled orders, support for vulnerable consumers and redress as issues the framework needs to address. It says further evidence, stakeholder engagement and an appropriate legislative basis are required.
The commitment therefore sets a direction for regulation without putting a finished regime into force. Its eventual design will have to protect customers while preserving competition and reliable fuel supplies.
