Rising heating oil prices have sparked worry among households and businesses preparing for winter, with the cost of heating oil climbing significantly in recent months. According to the price comparison website Boiler Juice, the price has increased from around 60p per litre before the conflict in Iran to about 97p per litre. Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, a local government official in Devon, has expressed concern over the impact of these sharp increases on families already dealing with the high cost of living. She noted that 41,000 households in Devon depend on heating oil for their primary heating needs and are particularly vulnerable to sudden price surges. Cottle-Hunkin emphasized that the price hikes are not just small increases but major shocks that affect both rural households and farming businesses. She also pointed out that, unlike electricity and gas, there is no government-imposed price cap on heating oil, which adds to the uncertainty for those who rely on it. Mark Clews, a resident near Callington, shared his experience with the rising prices. He had delayed filling his heating oil tank this summer while arranging for a replacement, but with prices now exceeding £1 per litre, the difference compared to last year is striking. Last year, he paid just 55p per litre at the same time of year. Clews mentioned that his family has been following money-saving tips from consumer advocate Martin Lewis, using electric blankets and limiting the use of heating to essential times. While his family has a large tank offering some flexibility, he acknowledged that many other households might not have such an advantage. Nigel Staples, who runs Guernsey Fuel and Oil Watch, described heating oil prices as "very volatile" in recent months, with the cost now surpassing 100p per litre. Prices in Guernsey are typically about 15p per litre higher than in the UK. Staples noted that a litre of heating oil cost around 75p at the same time last year, meaning that the 30,000 households in Guernsey with oil-fired boilers are now facing a substantial increase in heating costs as winter approaches. He estimated that a full tank of heating oil would now cost around £1,150, compared to £750 last year. In Cornwall, more than 34,500 households are believed to rely on oil for central heating. Cottle-Hunkin urged those facing financial difficulties to seek assistance through Devon's Crisis and Resilience Fund, which is available through local district councils. This fund supports low-income households in Devon who experience sudden financial shocks, such as unexpected bills or a drop in income. The scheme is delivered through the district councils and Citizens Advice Devon. The UK government has stated it is taking action to protect people and industries from the rising cost of fuel, including allocating £53 million to support those using heating oil and £1 billion to local authorities for the Crisis and Resilience Fund. Additionally, the government has reduced duty on red diesel, the fuel used by farmers and the fishing industry, to its lowest rate in over 20 years.