As winter approaches, the village of Inkpen and Combe in Berkshire is bracing for the high cost of heating oil. Many homes in the area rely on kerosene oil for hot water and heating, as they are beyond the reach of the gas mains. The price of oil has more than doubled since the US-Iran war began, with 1,000 litres (enough to last 10-12 weeks) now costing £1,219. In comparison, the same quantity of oil was £549 a year ago. The high cost has led to a surge in demand for seasoned wood, which is being used as an alternative heating source. The village WhatsApp group is closely monitoring the oil price, with residents eagerly awaiting a drop in price. This happened briefly during the June ceasefire, and the group lit up with messages. The lack of consumer protections for kerosene oil customers is a major concern for the community, as they face the uncertainty of the coming winter.
Nature
Country diary: As winter approaches, all eyes here are on heating oil prices | Nicola Chester
Prepared with AI assistance; not independently fact-checked. Original source: The Guardian Environment