Miliband Vows Support for Heating Oil Users Amid Energy Crisis

0:00On March 15th, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband says the government will stand up for households facing higher energy bills from the war in Iran. Oil prices have jumped above $100 a barrel, up from around $70 in February due to threats blocking the strait of hormones. Sky News understands the support package for the poorest heating oil users could come as early as Monday. Many rural homes in the UK rely on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas since they are not connected to the gas grid. In England alone, about 1,100,000 homes heat this way, and in Northern Ireland, two-thirds of homes use heating oil. The Energy Price Cap covers gas and electricity, but not these fuels, and it is actually said to drop by an average of 117 pounds, starting in April. Miliband met with petrol retailers and fuel companies this week, urging them not to raise prices unfairly. Some retailers push back, upset over the government's strong words, but officials say the

1:03fuel market has not been fair to consumers with prices, rising fast, but falling slowly. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is not planning broader help right now. Miliband also called for calm in the Middle East, stressing that more conflict helps no one. The government is pushing harder arm renewables and nuclear power to cut reliance on volatile global oil. This crisis highlights the risks of depending on fossil fuels during tough times, and leaders are focused on shielding families while building a more stable energy future.