Price rise contingency plans 'ready if needed'

the treasury minister said contingency plans for essential services are ready if needed, as price hikes from the middle east conflict continue. wholesale heating prices have jumped 70%, with diesel at 189p and petrol at 154p per litre. filling a 900-litre heating oil tank now costs £400 more than three months ago. mhks raised concerns about support for those on lower incomes and asked about extending winter fuel payments, but the minister said there are no plans for specific support or subsidies this winter. he argued subsidies are a quick and expensive fix, and that the response should focus on energy efficiency and reducing consumption instead. the government is maintaining vulnerable customer registers with energy suppliers but anticipates no disruption to public services.