Belgium boosts heating-oil aid for vulnerable households as energy prices rise

Belgium has allocated €15 million to boost heating-oil subsidies for vulnerable households during the upcoming winter months. This temporary measure, announced by Federal Energy Minister Mathieu Bihet, will cover deliveries between December 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027. The subsidy allowance will increase with rising prices, from €0.20 to €0.50 per litre as heating oil reaches €1.775 or more per litre.

The additional support aims to help eligible households facing higher heating costs due to volatile global energy markets, particularly those impacted by the Middle East conflict that has driven up fuel prices. Brent crude, a global benchmark, is now trading at $114 a barrel, up from $70 before the US-Israeli war with Iran.

While heating oil is gradually being phased out, it remains a crucial source of residential heating for many EU countries, including Belgium, Cyprus, and Ireland. In Belgium, heating oil accounts for around 35% of residential space heating, primarily in rural areas and older buildings, especially in Wallonia where nearly half of households rely on oil due to lack of access to the gas grid.

The reinforced scheme will increase the maximum subsidy from €300 to €487, significantly reducing the net cost for qualifying households from €2,430 to €1,943. However, the support is limited to those who meet the existing eligibility criteria for the Social Heating Fund and is not available to everyone who uses heating oil.

Federal Energy Minister Bihet emphasized that heating one's home should not be a luxury, and stressed that vulnerable households feel the impact of sharp heating oil price increases the most. While the measures offer short-term relief, budget constraints and eligibility requirements mean many households facing higher energy bills will still be left without additional support.