- Gail Thompson from rural Kent has expressed deep concern over soaring heating oil prices, fearing it could endanger her husband Steve, 71, who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis, making cold air life-threatening.
- The couple's last 500-litre heating oil delivery cost £328 in January, but they were recently quoted £717 for the same amount, a significant increase attributed to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.
- Unlike electricity and gas, heating oil is not regulated or price-capped by Ofgem, leading Ms Thompson to accuse suppliers of 'profiteering' as she struggles to afford the new costs.
- The government has stated it will not tolerate energy companies exploiting the Middle East crisis, with Sir Keir Starmer pledging to ensure fair pricing.
- Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an urgent investigation into 'troubling reports' of sudden heating oil price hikes, writing to suppliers to gather evidence and assess potential breaches of consumer protection laws.
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