Rural households across Berkshire are facing increasing pressure from rising heating oil costs, prompting Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) to join calls for targeted government support ahead of the winter months.

Many homes in rural areas are not connected to the mains gas network and instead rely on heating oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to keep warm. Unlike gas and electricity, these fuels are not covered by Ofgem’s energy price cap, leaving households particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets.

Heating oil prices have risen significantly throughout 2026, with costs increasing sharply following unrest in global oil markets earlier this year. On 2 September 2026, the average price of heating oil stood at 94p per litre, around 82% higher than on the same date in 2025. This means a typical 1,000-litre delivery now costs almost £940.

The increase comes at a time when many households are already struggling with the wider cost of living. While the Government has pledged further financial support for families this winter, CCB is urging ministers to ensure that households relying on alternative fuels are not overlooked.

Tim Parry, our CEO, said:

“We are facing a rural cost of living crisis for energy, and it’s one that is having a very real and measurable impact on many households in Berkshire.

With the approach of colder weather, there is now a pressing need for the government to make meaningful decisions and reassure rural people that they have not been forgotten.

Living off the gas grid is already a challenge, with fuel needing to be purchased in advance and in bulk, before being physically delivered to each address. The sustained volatility of the heating oil market since March has only added to the stress, worry and anxiety felt by off-grid energy users.”

CCB is supporting the campaign being led by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), the national charity for rural communities and umbrella body for the ACRE Network. The organisation has written to Government ministers outlining a number of measures that could help reduce the financial burden on rural households.

One proposal is the removal of the 5% VAT currently charged on heating oil purchases. At today’s prices, this would save the average household around £45 on a 1,000-litre delivery.

Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive of Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), said:

“We are grateful that our network of 37 member charities is backing our call to get more targeted support for those off the gas grid delivered in time for winter.

We remain keen to work with the government on any initiatives that can help these rural families keep energy costs down and hope that a positive announcement will be made very soon, before the real cold weather sets in.”

As winter approaches, CCB will continue supporting rural communities across Berkshire and advocating for fair access to energy support for households that rely on heating oil and LPG.

For information about the national campaign, visit http://www.acre.org.uk