A competition regulator is investigating the heating oil market after prices rise sharply at the start of a Middle East conflict, according to reports. The probe follows concerns that some customers may have been hit by unusually high heating oil bills during the period when the conflict began. One account says the change in pricing led some households to face charges that are up to around three times their usual bill. The regulator’s action is framed as a market investigation into whether firms complied with competition rules and how pricing was set during the disruption. The reports do not specify which companies are under investigation, how many customers may have been affected, or whether any formal compensation request has been issued as part of the probe. They indicate, however, that the regulator is seeking to establish what drove the price increases and whether suppliers should compensate customers if misconduct or unfair pricing is found. The investigation is ongoing and further details are expected as the regulator gathers evidence and assesses the market response to the conflict-related disruption.