First Minister John Swinney has said rising energy costs are driving “genuine fear” across rural Scotland, as he criticised Westminster’s response during the ongoing energy crisis.

The comments come as oil prices have risen again and concerns grow among farming and rural communities already under pressure from sustained high costs.

Swinney argued that responsibility for energy policy remains at Westminster, and said the current response has fallen short at a time when support is urgently needed.

He contrasted the situation with measures taken in Ireland, where a major support package has been introduced to help farmers, contractors and transport operators manage fuel costs.

The Irish Government has committed €750 million in support, including direct payments and fuel duty reductions, aimed at easing the burden across key sectors.

That package includes cuts to diesel and petrol duty, targeted reductions for agricultural fuel, and wider financial support for industries heavily reliant on transport and energy.

By comparison, Swinney pointed to UK Government support of £53 million, arguing the difference highlights a gap in both scale and approach.

He said the contrast is being felt strongly in rural Scotland, where livelihoods are closely tied to fuel and energy costs.

“Rural Scotland has been hit hardest by the ongoing energy emergency and yet the Westminster government that controls Scotland’s energy has done nothing to help.

“With the price of oil spiking again in recent days, frustration has turned into genuine fear amongst Scotland’s rural and farming communities.

“If Westminster won’t act, they should hand over energy powers to a Scottish Government that will.

“While our rural and farming communities watch a Westminster government stubbornly sitting on its hands, a few miles across the water they see an independent government in Ireland that has cut fuel costs and provided financial aid to farmers, hauliers and fishing businesses.

“This underscores why energy has been such a defining part of this election campaign.

“Our nearest neighbour, Ireland, a small, independent country in the European Union has the wealth and the will to help its citizens when they need it most.

“An independent, energy rich Scotland could act in the very same way for all our people.

“The SNP wants to bring costs down and the other parties want to stop us.

“They want people to vote for an opposition to stop things happening, I am asking people to vote for an SNP Government to get things done.

“The best way to ensure we can deliver is by electing a majority SNP Government, one that supports people with the cost of living, locks out Nigel Farage and delivers the fresh start of independence.

“But we have to make it happen, that opportunity is in Scotland’s hands.

“So on May 7th, I am asking people to vote SNP for a government on Scotland’s side and for reliable, trusted leadership that will support people with the cost of living.”

The issue has become a central dividing line in the election campaign, with parties setting out competing approaches on energy policy, support for rural communities and the wider cost of living.

For many in Scotland’s rural economy, the immediate concern remains practical, with rising fuel costs feeding directly into day to day operations and long term viability.

As the campaign continues, the contrast between domestic policy and international examples is likely to remain a key part of the political argument.

Rising energy costs and differing government responses have placed rural Scotland at the centre of the election debate, with calls for greater support and renewed focus on how energy policy is managed.