I read with interest your comments posted on 16th March 2010 last year about fuel pricing and how if The Conservative Party where to be elected how you would fight the cause to help The Highland Community to reduce fuel pricing. I would hope then you will read my comments and investigate the outrageous profiteering that is taking place with the Domestic Heating Oil Suppliers. I purchased oil in November at 49.5p per ltr plus vat, I have now been quoted .67p plus vat less than 2 months later, a 26% increase! I ask you to call for an Ombudsman for Domestic Heating Oil Supply as these prices need to be stabalised. With the recent severe winter weather and the need to keep our homes warm I feel we are being held to ransom and there is no justification for a 26% price increase within a 6 week period. This is simply a case of the oil suppliers profiteering out of peoples misery. The Conservative Government need to take steps to help maintain a stablised price system in the UK and put a stop to this highway robbery! The Conservative Government also need to look at removing the 5% vat on heating. I was always led to believe that vat was only added to luxury items – is it a luxury then to heat your home? We need your help as you promised in March last year – actions speak louder than words.

Yours faithfully,

Jeanette Beattie