Stories

Thu, 12 Mar 2026

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 Heating oil orders cancelled and prices hiked

South of England households report cancelled orders, price hikes and heating oil supply issues.

* Prices have doubled since US and Israel began assault in Iran
* About 1.7 million households in England and Wales rely on kerosene for heating and hot water
* Unlike gas and electricity, prices are not capped and are subject to volatility
* Households are being forced to ration their use of heating oil as suppliers cancel deliveries
* Some companies warn quotes are only "indicative" and the price could change on the day of delivery
* Rural MPs meet ministers to discuss problem, citing urgent need for help to ensure vulnerable customers can afford to heat their homes