Heating oil prices double to £860 amidst supply uncertainty

Heating oil prices in rural Lancashire have increased by 100%, rising from £440 for 500 litres to approximately £850-£860. This escalation follows regional supply uncertainties attributed to the ongoing US-Israel conflict. Local councillors have reported that some elderly residents, such as a couple in their 80s, are facing significant difficulties affording these costs. The UK government has allocated £53 million through the Crisis and Resilience Fund to assist low-income households affected by the rising prices, with £400,000 designated for the Ribble Valley region.