The Welsh Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to introduce an urgent price cap and temporary VAT holiday on heating oil and LPG, warning that rural households across Wales are being left exposed to spiralling energy prices following the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The party said the Government’s latest announcement does not go far enough to protect families who are not connected to the gas grid and remain vulnerable to sudden price shocks.

According to House of Commons Library data, 18,869 households in Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe are off the gas grid, meaning many rely on heating oil or LPG to heat their homes.

Across Wales its estimated 19% of homes are off-grid.

Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, warned that a one-off payment would not solve the problem and urged ministers to introduce stronger protections similar to the Ofgem energy price cap available to households connected to the grid.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an immediate three-month VAT holiday on heating oil and LPG, alongside the introduction of a price cap to shield off-grid households from volatile global energy markets.

Commenting, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick said: “Yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister doesn’t go far enough. We need an energy price cap in place to stop repeated rises and profiteering by suppliers.

“Families in rural Wales are worried sick as heating oil bills spiral out of control. The Government’s latest announcement risks leaving too many households falling through the cracks.

“Heating oil customers have been completely defenceless against skyrocketing global prices. Instead of temporary sticking plasters, we need an immediate VAT holiday on heating oil and LPG alongside a proper price cap so rural households get the same protections as those connected to the grid.

“I am hearing from hundreds of constituents who are terrified about how they will pay their next bill. It is completely unfair that people living in rural areas have been left high and dry while prices surge because of instability in the Middle East.”

The Welsh Liberal Democrats also said the Government should take longer-term action to reduce bills by improving home insulation and ensuring new homes are built to zero-carbon standards, helping households reduce their reliance on expensive fossil fuels.