Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones has lobbied the Chancellor for more support for rural consumers, after a dramatic increase in the price and availability of fuel.
Ms Jones met with Rishi Sunak earlier this week to highlight the growing problem facing rural businesses since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In recent weeks, fuel prices have increased sharply – with diesel jumping from 77p before the conflict began to £1.20 per litre There are similar problems for heating oil with supplies of kerosene now around £1000 for 500 litres. This is simply unsustainable for many – particularly elderly individuals who are not protected by the energy price cap. Availability is also an issue with many firms advising that they are unable to fulfil orders for weeks.
Rural businesses are readying themselves for a difficult few months, after the use of rebated diesel comes to an end for many non-agricultural businesses.
Ms Jones said:
“I asked to see the Chancellor because I am deeply worried about the staggering increases in fuel prices. While many understand that this is the fall out from the Russian invasion, my constituents are struggling to make ends meet and there seems to be no end in sight. I am particularly worried for businesses in Brecon and Radnorshire – one haulage firm told me their fuel bill looks sit to raise by £60,000 per month. Another described the ‘double whammy’ of losing access to red diesel and being forced to meet the steep costs of white.
While the Government cannot fix commercial prices, it’s imperative that no firm takes advantage of the appalling situation in Ukraine. Heating oil firms need to do all they can to provide their customers with flexible options for spreading payments and recognise the over-arching need of vulnerable customers.
I am very glad that the Chancellor fully appreciates how this will affect rural residents and businesses. He represents a heavily rural constituency too and so he knows the challenges we face extremely well. However, while we are all united in our goal to reach Net Zero as soon as possible, I pressed the Chancellor to see whether any changes could be made to the plans to scrap the ban on rebated fuel for the construction sectors.
I will continue to urge Ministers to keep all options on the table. I will always remind Government that national problems sometimes hit far worse in rural areas like Brecon and Radnorshire.