Scotland extends heating oil support through winter
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The Scottish government extended the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme into the winter months to help lower-income households that use heating oil and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for warmth.
The program began in April after conflict in the Middle East caused heating oil prices to rise sharply. Around 142,000 Scottish households rely on heating oil, and costs reached 153.74 pence per litre in March before falling and then increasing again to nearly 121 pence per litre.
The government has distributed over 6,700 payments through the scheme so far. Energy Minister Stephen Gethins explained the extension will support those most in need, as international uncertainty could still drive prices higher. Scottish households using heating oil or LPG can also contact Home Energy Scotland for advice on lowering energy costs. Government data from last year indicated that 33% of households in the Highlands and 40% in the Western Isles, a Scottish island region, were experiencing fuel poverty.
The length of the extension remains indefinite and will be continuously evaluated.
