MP Harriett Baldwin today called for constituents to send her evidence of price gouging from the sudden rise in heating fuel prices across the county linked to shortages. The West Worcestershire MP said she was ‘worried’ by reports that sudden fuel shortages have led to a dramatic hike in prices charged. The sudden cold snap has forced many local people to make extra fuel orders and bad weather conditions have restricted large-scale oil deliveries to the county. Many rural homes depend on heating oils because that cannot get gas supplied to them. Harriett said: “There has been a very unlucky confluence of events with fuel shortages coinciding with raised demand. “Constituents have been contacting me about problems with supplies and the local firms are working flat out to help. “The Office of Fair Trading has announced an enquiry into pricing of heating fuel and I call on anyone who thinks they have evidence of profiteering to write to me. “I hope that these rumours are unfounded but I will be monitoring the situation over the coming weeks.” Government energy minister Charles Hendry this week stepped in to try and ensure that heating oil supplies would be improved and delivery drivers have temporarily had their driving limits amended to allow them to keep delivering.