Independent Senedd candidate Carl Peters‑Bond has called for urgent, targeted support after new BBC analysis revealed that several Carmarthenshire communities have some of the highest reliance on oil‑based heating in Wales.
The BBC’s interactive map shows:
- 69.17% of households in Llannon, Cross Hands and Pen‑y‑groes rely on oil
- 65.36% in Abergwili, Llanegwad and Carmel
- 40.94% in Llanddarog, Llangyndeyrn and Ferryside
The UK Government this week announced a £53m support package for vulnerable households affected by the surge in oil prices, triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. £3.8m of that funding will come to Wales, with ministers in London saying it should be used to support families dependent on oil.
Peters‑Bond said the figures show why Carmarthenshire must be at the front of the queue.
“This crisis is hitting Carmarthenshire directly. When two‑thirds of households in some communities rely on oil, people have no choice but to absorb soaring prices.
The UK Government has released funding — now the Welsh Government must make sure every penny of that £3.8m reaches the rural households who need it most. This is exactly why we need politics that puts people first, not party interests.”
The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association has welcomed the support package and a Competition and Markets Authority review into pricing, saying it is confident the review will bring clarity.
Peters‑Bond said transparency is welcome, but warned that competition between retailers does not help households who have no alternative to oil.
“Rural families aren’t choosing oil because it’s cheap — they’re choosing it because they’ve been left without options. Competition only works when people can switch. That’s why Carmarthenshire needs a proper transition plan.”
He is calling for:
1. Emergency financial relief for oil‑dependent households
Immediate support for communities with the highest reliance on oil, ensuring help reaches those most exposed to global price shocks.
2. A Carmarthenshire‑focused rural retrofit programme
Investment to help households switch to cleaner, cheaper heating — including solar retrofits, heat pumps, insulation and energy‑efficiency upgrades.
3. A long‑term transition plan for off‑grid communities
A clear pathway to reduce reliance on volatile oil markets and support rural homes through the shift to renewable heating.
Peters‑Bond added:
“You can’t copy‑and‑paste urban policies onto rural Wales. Carmarthenshire needs solutions designed for Carmarthenshire — and that starts with listening to people, not political parties.”
