PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Fuels: Prices (24 September 2019)

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what plans he has to ensure people on low-incomes will not be adversely affected by increased fuel prices in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Asked by:
Janet Daby (Labour)

The Government believes that it is essential that consumers get a fair deal and that a competitive market is the best way to keep prices low. Fuel pricing is subject to UK competition law, and I expect the Competition and Markets Authority to keep the market under review.

Government provides support to help low income households with their energy costs. Over 2 million low income and vulnerable households will receive a rebate of £140 off their winter energy bill through the Warm Home Discount. In addition all pensioner households receive a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300. Support to upgrade the energy performance of homes is also available through the Energy Company Obligation. Since 2018 this £640m per year scheme has been focused on low income and vulnerable households.

The price of crude oil, traded through liquid international markets, is the main driver of changes in the national average retail prices of fuels such a petrol, diesel and heating fuels. Other factors include currency exchange rates and the balance of supply and demand for these fuels in the wholesale petroleum products markets. The UK benefits from a diverse range of import sources alongside UK domestic production and will continue to do so after we leave the EU.

Answered by:
Kwasi Kwarteng (Conservative)
1 October 2019