Approximately 1.5 million households in the United Kingdom, predominantly in rural areas, rely on heating oil, with over 40% of homes in some parts of Lincolnshire using it. Unlike customers of gas and electricity, these households are not protected by an energy price cap, making them vulnerable to price fluctuations. They are also required to pay for their fuel in advance, typically purchasing between 1,000 and 2,000 liters at a time.
As of Wednesday, the average price for 1,000 liters of heating oil stood at 97.05 pence per liter, according to the comparison website boilerjuice.com. This represents an 85% increase since September 9, 2025, when the price was 52.8 pence per liter. While prices have fallen from a March high of 134 pence per liter, they have been rising again in recent weeks, partly attributed to renewed conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
This price surge means a household needing to fill a 1,000-liter tank could face a bill exceeding £970. In response to similar price spikes in March, the government announced a £53 million support package for low-income families using heating oil. However, the distribution of this funding is handled by local authorities, which set their own eligibility criteria, and some residents have found they do not qualify for assistance.
John Craggs, a heating oil user, expressed that he inquired about help but was informed he did not meet the criteria. His situation highlights the difficult decisions faced by families who must decide whether to purchase fuel at current high prices or wait, potentially risking a shortage as winter approaches.
