How to Compare Heating Oil Prices in the UK

Heating oil prices in the UK move around, and the price you are quoted depends on your postcode, your order size and when you buy. To compare properly, check a live price index, then get quotes for the same number of litres from several suppliers on the same day. The work is mostly done online, and the main cost to watch is the minimum order of 500 litres.

• Your postcode, which affects which depot supplies you and how far a tanker travels
• The number of litres you want, such as 500, 750 or 1,000 litres
• Access to free online price trackers, such as the Your NRG Index, BoilerJuice's UK heating oil prices page or the Consumer Council's home heating oil price checker
• A note of whether prices you see include VAT, since quotes are often shown excluding VAT at 5%

1. Work out how much oil you need. Typical UK homes use 1,500 to 2,000 litres a year, and a domestic tank usually holds between 1,000 and 1,500 litres.
2. Check a live price index first to sense-check the market. The Your NRG Index is updated daily and shows the average price per litre for 1,000 litres excluding VAT.
3. Look at BoilerJuice's UK heating oil prices page, which compares the daily 1,000 litre price for kerosene across its supplier network.
4. If you are in Northern Ireland, use the Consumer Council's home heating oil price checker, which surveys suppliers weekly and also offers a daily checker on weekdays.
5. Get quotes for the same order size from several suppliers. Enter your postcode and the litres you need into each supplier's quote form.
6. Compare the price per litre, not just the total, and check whether VAT at 5% is included.
7. Ask each supplier about delivery charges, payment options and any minimum order rules before you decide.
8. Check whether the supplier is accredited with the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), which runs a voluntary code of practice.

• The minimum order is usually 500 litres, which could cost around £300.
• Prices are often quoted excluding VAT, but domestic prices include 5% VAT. Make sure you are comparing like for like.
• Your postcode matters. It determines your depot, the distance a tanker travels and how easy your property is to access.
• Rural deliveries can cost more because of longer distances between properties and fewer drops per route, though strong local demand can keep rural prices competitive.
• Prices usually climb in colder months when demand peaks. Ordering off-season, typically in spring or summer, can mean better rates and faster delivery.
• Emergency or rush deliveries cost more because they are harder to schedule.
• There is no regulator for heating oil users. Some suppliers subscribe to a voluntary code via UKIFDA, and UKIFDA suppliers are members of UtilitiesADR, an independent dispute resolution scheme.
• Stored correctly in a tank in good condition, heating oil should last 18 to 24 months.
• You can store up to 30 litres outside your tank in a suitable container. More than that needs permission from your local Petroleum Enforcement Authority.
• If you pay by direct debit, you may be less likely to shop around, so check prices again before each order.

How often will I need a delivery? Most households need at least three deliveries a year, depending on tank size and usage.

Should I buy 1,000 litres instead of 500? It can sometimes be cheaper to buy 1,000 litres, but this depends on what suppliers are pricing in your area, so run a quote for both.

Can I order less than 500 litres? The minimum is usually 500 litres, though 300 litres is available in some parts of the UK.

What affects the price I am quoted? Crude oil costs, seasonal demand, exchange rates, delivery and regional factors, supply chain issues and government policies all play a part.

What if something goes wrong with my order? Check whether your supplier is UKIFDA accredited and a member of UtilitiesADR, which handles disputes for non-regulated issues such as heating oil.