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Sun, 18 Oct 2026

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 Heating oil customers face tough winter

The government plans to regulate heating oil prices after increases.

* Prices have risen by up to 82% since the US-Israeli war with Iran began, with Nicola Sharpe from Devon saying she is paying over £600 for 500 litres, compared to £340 last year.
* Residents are holding off buying fuel in the hope prices will fall, but some may go without heating this winter.
* The government has announced new measures to regulate the market and review minimum order levels, but Nicola Sharpe says she is not hopeful that these will help bring costs down.
* Many customers are struggling to afford heating oil, with Pauline Trubody from Cornwall saying she won't put her heating on as much this winter due to rising costs.
* The government's support package for low-income families worth £53m has been announced, but some people may still face going without heating or using alternative sources.