The Scottish Government is evaluating the introduction of a permanent online price checking tool for heating oil users, following a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) report that identified significant consumer protection gaps and higher costs for households in remote areas.
CMA Report Highlights Price Disparities
The CMA's investigation was prompted by a sharp surge in heating oil prices during the Middle East conflict, when costs peaked at 92 percent above previous levels. The watchdog found that approximately 1.5 million households across the UK rely on heating oil, with those in remote parts of Scotland facing fewer supplier choices and typically higher prices due to increased delivery costs.
Around 1,700 customers across the UK experienced order cancellations by some suppliers during the price surge, leaving households uncertain about deliveries and forcing some to pay substantially more for fuel.
Proposed Price Checker Tool
The CMA recommended that ministers consider creating a price checker for Scotland, based on the tool already operated by the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland. The Scottish Government stated it will consider this recommendation for a permanent price checking tool to help consumers compare heating oil prices more easily before placing an order.
Energy Minister Stephen Gethins welcomed the report, noting it highlighted the higher prices faced by Scottish households and backed the Scottish Government's long-standing calls for stronger consumer protections. He said: "The Scottish Government will consider the report's recommendations, including the development of a permanent price checker tool, to support the action we have already taken to shield the most vulnerable households from price spikes through the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme."
Stronger Regulation Needed
The CMA also recommended reviewing rules on minimum order volumes to make it easier for customers to buy smaller quantities of heating oil. Mr Gethins added that the UK Government should make urgent progress on strengthening regulation of the heating oil market to better protect consumers from future price shocks.
Citizens Advice Scotland welcomed the recommendations. David Hilferty, Director of Impact at Citizens Advice Scotland, said evidence from the charity's network showed people across the Borders, the North East, and the Highlands and Islands had seen heating oil prices double and, in some cases, triple. He stated: "The recent rise in the price of oil wasn't an isolated, one-off moment. Instead, it marked another escalation in what feels like a never-ending energy emergency. Regulatory oversight and compensation is welcome, yet we know people need immediate and enduring support now. And we must ensure that support reaches those experiencing most harm who need it most."
Consumer Scotland Backs Proposal
Consumer Scotland also supported the proposal, indicating that an online price checker could improve price transparency for Scottish households and help consumers compare heating oil prices more easily before placing an order.
