Mark Oaten Calls for Oil and Gas Regulators

Mark Oaten is today calling on Government to better regulate all forms of fuel, including oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas, in a bid to better monitor the trade practices that have contributed to soaring energy prices.

Thousands of people have been hit by steep increases in fuel prices and given that many living within Winchester and the Meon Valley have no alternative supplier they have no choice but to put up with the price hikes. In some cases Mark has been told of an 82% rise over two years.

At today’s Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Select Committee hearing Mark called on Energywatch and the body which will soon replace it, The National Consumer Council, to take on regulating these fuels and highlighted the concerns of many people living in rural areas.

The Chief Executive representing Energywatch made it clear that his organisation believes that many oil and gas companies have taken advantage of the lack of regulation to hike prices up.

In response to this Mark is eager to hear the views and experiences of his constituents on the affect these large prices are having. In particular he would like to hear from those who have tried to switch supplier.

He has urged people to get in touch as soon as possible so that he can start relaying this back to the energy companies and regulators when they give evidence to the Select Committee.

Mark Oaten stated:

“As a user of oil I am experiencing first hand the staggering price rises and it’s a really worrying situation for everyone. For residents living in rural areas its perhaps more worrying because we often don’t have any other choice but to stick with what we’ve got.

“Things just can’t keep going on as they are and I think better regulation is long overdue. Being a member on the Select Committee is giving me a chance to air the views of my constituents and I would urge you all to get in touch with your views and comments.