Heating oil prices: how to pay less
Many homes off the gas grid heat with oil. You buy it in bulk, the price moves week to week, and the same order can cost very different amounts from different suppliers.
A live price is on its way
We're working on a weekly UK heating oil price for this page. There isn't an open official feed for Great Britain yet, so we won't publish a number we can't stand behind. In Northern Ireland, the Consumer Council publishes weekly average prices by council area.
Getting a better price
- Get several quotes on the same day. Prices are quoted per litre for a set volume, and they vary between local suppliers. Ask for the total including VAT and any delivery charge.
- Order more at once if your tank allows. Bigger orders usually cost less per litre.
- Join an oil buying group. Many villages and councils run one: neighbours order together for a better rate.
- Don't wait for the first cold snap. Demand jumps in freezing weather, prices tend to follow, and delivery times can stretch to weeks.
Keeping warm when things go wrong
- An oil boiler stops in a power cut. The burner and pump need electricity, just like a gas boiler. What you can do about that.
- Keep a margin in the tank through winter, so a late delivery doesn't leave you cold.
- Check the tank and its gauge before winter. Oil theft rises when prices do; a tank alarm or lockable cap helps.
- Have a back-up heat source. Extra layers and an electric blanket on a power station go a long way. Heat without mains power.