The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the UK Government to take urgent action to protect Welsh households reliant on heating oil as the conflict in the Middle East drives volatility in global energy markets.

Speaking in Parliament, David Chadwick, the Welsh Lib Dem MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe pressed Chancellor Rachel Reeves to outline what support will be available for households that depend on heating oil and other off-grid fuels, warning that rural communities risk being hit hardest by rising energy costs.

Large parts of rural Wales rely on heating oil rather than mains gas, leaving households particularly exposed to global energy shocks. In Powys, around 55% of homes are not connected to the gas grid, while the figure rises to around 74% in Ceredigion.

Across Wales as a whole around 10% of homes rely on heating oil, representing close to 130,000 properties.

Heating oil prices are typically more volatile than mains gas, as households must purchase fuel in bulk and are more directly exposed to international market fluctuations. Previous global crises have shown how quickly these costs can rise, placing significant pressure on rural families, particularly during colder months.

During the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UK Government eventually introduced targeted support measures for off-grid households following sustained campaigning by the Liberal Democrats and other rural groups. Chadwick warned that similar contingency plans should already be in place, given the renewed instability in global energy markets.

He said rural areas like Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe would once again be among the most vulnerable if energy prices spike, urging ministers to ensure support can be deployed quickly if needed.