Families across the Highlands are facing mounting pressure from soaring heating oil prices, with one household seeing its bill more than double as politicians demand urgent government intervention.

Jamie Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, led a Westminster debate on Wednesday 4 November, warning that rural households are being left dangerously exposed to rising energy costs without the protections enjoyed by customers connected to the mains gas network.

Around 1.5 million homes across the UK rely on heating oil, with many Highland properties having no practical alternative because of their remote locations.

The situation has worsened following disruption to global energy markets caused by the conflict in Iran, pushing up prices for households already struggling with the cost of living.

During the debate, Mr Stone highlighted evidence from Age UK showing how vulnerable households have been hit particularly hard.

One elderly couple saw the cost of their heating oil increase from around £300 to £700, while an 80 year old man with serious health problems experienced a rise from £400 to £800.

For households dependent on oil heating, these costs often arrive as a substantial single payment rather than being spread across manageable monthly bills.

The additional burden is particularly concerning in rural Scotland, where older properties can be expensive to heat and colder weather makes reliable heating essential.

Mr Stone had written to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget calling for targeted assistance, but believes the measures announced fell short of what households need.

He is now urging the Government to consider removing VAT from domestic heating oil for three months and introducing stronger protections against sudden price increases.

Unlike domestic gas and electricity, heating oil is not covered by Ofgem’s household energy price cap, leaving customers exposed to fluctuations in the market.

The Government has previously committed £53 million to support households struggling with heating oil costs, although Mr Stone warned during the debate that this represents only around £35 per household when measured against the estimated number of homes relying on oil.

He also wants longer term investment to improve the energy efficiency of rural properties, reducing heating costs and dependence on expensive fuel.

Commenting following the debate, Mr Stone said:

“Highland households are already facing higher living costs, poorer home energy efficiency and higher rates of fuel poverty.

“The cost of heating oil is piling further pressure on families and vulnerable people who are simply trying to keep their homes warm.

“For many households across the Highlands, heating oil isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

“That’s why I led this debate to press the Government for urgent action.

“We simply need stronger protections for those who can’t access the same regulatory safeguards that households that use the main gas and electricity grid enjoy.

“I have proposed short-term measures that would temporarily alleviate this burden for vulnerable households.

“Longer term, the Government must invest in making rural homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

“Communities in the Far North deserve the same protection as those living in the rest of the country.

“This Government must work for everyone living in the UK.”

The debate has brought renewed attention to the financial difficulties facing households beyond the gas network, particularly those living in isolated Highland communities.

With winter approaching and energy costs already stretching household budgets, the question now is whether further government intervention will follow before more families find themselves struggling to keep their homes warm.