Households in Scotland struggling with rising heating oil and Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) costs will be able to apply for £300 in support from 1 April, the Scottish Government has confirmed.

The Emergency Heating Oil Scheme is designed to assist users of both heating oil and LPG affected by recent price increases. Payments will be made directly to suppliers where possible, helping qualifying households place an order without delay.

Administered by Advice Direct Scotland, the scheme will run for up to six months, offering two application periods during that time. It will primarily target low-income households, including those receiving means-tested social security benefits, but will also be open to others facing unavoidable additional heating costs, such as people with disabilities or those at risk of self-rationing fuel.

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Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: "We know that the sudden rise in heating oil and LPG prices due to global events has come as a shock to many people, particularly in rural and island areas.

"Last week the UK Government announced just £4.6 million of support for Scotland. This was insufficient so we are more than doubling it to £10 million. Given the urgency of the situation as a result of the ongoing conflict in the middle east, I can confirm that the support in Scotland will be open to applications from next week.

"This represents an immediate response by the Scottish Government to the present crisis and will ensure help is provided as quickly as possible to those in greatest need.

"However, the conflict in Iran remains volatile and its ongoing impact on energy prices is hard to predict. If such high prices continue the UK Government must step up to provide further, fully funded support, and bring into force long-awaited regulation for this sector to protect consumers.

"The First Minister has already made clear that providing support for consumers affected by the current price spikes must form a central part of the UK Government’s response to this crisis and I echo his call for the Prime Minister to convene an emergency 4 Nations’ Heads of Government council."

Applications for the £300 support scheme open on 1 April, providing a timely response to households facing urgent energy cost pressures.