Samuel Kurtz MS has called on the UK Government to take urgent action to ease cost-of-living pressures by cancelling planned fuel duty increases and introducing fairer support for rural, off-grid households.
Writing to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Mr Kurtz warned that families across west Wales are being “squeezed from all sides” as energy and fuel costs continue to rise.
Energy bills are forecast to climb to nearly £2,000 from July, while global oil prices remain high, pushing up costs at the pumps. Diesel prices have risen significantly in recent months, with petrol also increasing, adding further pressure to already stretched household budgets.
Kurtz said planned fuel duty increases later this year would make the situation worse, particularly for rural communities where car use is essential.
In Ceredigion, up to three quarters of households are not connected to the gas grid, while in Pembrokeshire around 40% rely on alternative fuels such as heating oil and LPG. These households are not protected by energy price caps and are exposed to volatile global prices, leaving them facing higher and less predictable costs.
He also criticised the current support available, describing it as “limited and reactive”, with schemes often only accessible once households reach crisis point. While recent funding allocations for off-grid households have been announced, delays and a lack of clarity around delivery risk leaving families without help when they need it most.
The Senedd Member pointed to the contrast with the response to the 2022 energy crisis, when the UK Conservative Government introduced the Energy Price Guarantee, £400 energy bill support, and a £200 Alternative Fuel Payment for off-grid homes.
Samuel Kurtz MS said:
“Households across west Wales are under real pressure, and for many this is not about cutting back - it’s about keeping up.”
“Rural families already face higher costs, whether that’s heating their homes or filling up the car. Increasing fuel duty now would only make that worse.”
“Off-grid households are being overlooked. They don’t benefit from price caps and are exposed to volatile fuel costs.”
“The UK Government acted decisively during the last energy crisis. The same level of urgency is needed again now.
“The Chancellor must act. Cancel the planned fuel duty increases and reintroduce the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment to give households the support they need.”
He added that without immediate action, rural communities risk being left further behind as cost pressures continue to rise.
