The sharp rise in the price of oil and fertilisers due to the war with Iran is causing concern for many households, farms and businesses in rural communities around Rye.
Households that use oil for heating and hot water have seen the average price of a 500 litre tank double in the last few weeks. With suppliers usually offering a minimum delivery of 500 litres many are struggling to meet the additional costs. However local supplier Rye Oil has responded to this by offering heating oil deliveries in smaller amounts, reducing the minimum amount from 500 litres to 250 litres, while the situation in the Middle East continues. Their heating oil pump in their yard also enables people to take smaller quantities and to top up.
Jon Reardon of Rye Oil says at the moment there is no shortage. “Most of the oil we supply does not come from the Middle East, it comes from crude oil from elsewhere in the world such as the US as the Middle East supplies mainly refined oil such as that used in jet fuel. We do not keep large amounts in storage here which means that with fluctuating prices we can be more reactive with our pricing: we sell at a price based on what we bought the oil for. No-one can be sure of prices in the future but barring any shortages, the cost of fuel may well stabilise in the long-term, as they did after the invasion of Ukraine.”
Unlike for households using gas and electricity, there is no price energy cap for heating oil. In response to this, the government have announced extra funding for low-income families to support those struggling with the increased cost of oil. Funding is available for those using oil as their main source of heating, are on a low income and are at risk for being unable to heat home or have access to hot water. More information about how to apply via Citizen’s Advice 1066 here. Rye Oil are facilitating this locally but those using this support need to apply through Citizen’s Advice and not direct from them.
There are fears that the hike in fuel and fertiliser prices could lead to a rise in rural crime, according to the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) who represent farmers and rural businesses. The CLA South East regional director Tim Bamford warned of the risk of an increase of thefts from farms. “Fuel might be stolen from lorries parked up overnight, or from farm machinery in yards and fields, and we urge everyone to remain vigilant.”
The rise in fertiliser costs will impact food production and is likely to lead to higher food prices Tim Bamford says. “Farmers are watching fertiliser prices jump overnight. For family farms already watching every penny, this is alarming.
“Farmers plan months ahead. They budget and commit to inputs long before a seed goes in the ground. If prices keep rising, many will have no choice but to use less fertiliser, which could reduce yields and cause price inflation to the consumer.”
Image Credits: Rye Oil .