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Written question asked by Ian Roome (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 September 2026. It was answered by Polly Billington (Labour) on Thursday, 10 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Fuels: Prices

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps her Department is taking to help prevent profiteering on the sale of road fuel and off-grid fuel prices.

Answer

The Government will not tolerate profiteering or unfair practices in fuel markets.

For road fuel, we are supporting greater competition and transparency through Fuel Finder, which requires retailers to share live prices. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) also continues to monitor retailer behaviour, including passive pricing strategies that may contribute to sustained high margins.

For heating oil, the CMA has proposed stronger consumer protections, including supplier registration and minimum standards, improved price transparency, independent dispute resolution and better support for vulnerable households. It has also secured compensation for customers affected by cancelled orders. The Government welcomes this work, is carefully considering the CMA’s recommendations and intends to respond formally in due course.

Vulnerable households facing immediate financial difficulties because of rising heating oil prices are encouraged to contact their local authority to find out what support may be available to them through the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) which has over £50million to help low-income families tackle surging prices.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26764
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Fuels Profits Prices
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk