THE Scottish government will consider bringing in a permanent price checking tool to help those who rely on heating oil.

The pledge came after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) called for increased protections for the 1.5 million-plus households, overwhelmingly in rural areas, across Britain who use the fuel.

The CMA report pointed to “clear gaps in the protections available to heating oil customers compared with those connected to gas and electricity networks,” which left those particular households vulnerable.

One gap is heating oil’s exemption from energy regulator Ofgem’s price cap, a loophole that has led to households using the fuel seeing prices rocket by up to 92 per cent over recent months in the wake of US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Lebanon.

The authority has now called for an overhaul of the regulatory regime covering heating oil, with a standardisation of how prices are quoted, how cancellations are dealt with, and better support for vulnerable customers.

CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell said: “Heating our homes and having reliable hot water are basic needs. While the home heating oil market is generally competitive, that is not enough to ensure good outcomes for all.

“Stronger safeguards are needed, including regulatory oversight and better support for vulnerable consumers as well as communities living in areas of the UK that are particularly exposed to higher and more volatile prices.”

Welcoming the report, Scottish government minister Stephen Gethins said: “The Scottish government will consider the report’s recommendations, including the development of a permanent price checker tool, to support the action we have already taken to shield the most vulnerable households from price spikes through the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme.”

He added: “Given the current and ongoing volatility of international events, it is critical that UK government makes urgent progress to make market regulation fit for purpose.”

Also welcoming the report, UK minister for energy consumers, Martin McCluskey said: “It is clear that the heating oil sector is not working as it should for consumers and the report today highlights areas for improvement.

“We will take action in response to these recommendations so we can create a fairer system for rural households across the country.

“We have already taken action to support vulnerable customers on heating oil, confirming over £50 million in support.”