Households relying on heating oil are facing a worrying start to the colder months, with the latest figures showing the spot price has risen by 95.3 per cent compared with the same day last year.

The current price stands at 102.3p per litre, well above the 12-month average of 77.8p per litre. While prices remain below the March 2026 peak of 134.2p per litre, the scale of the year-on-year increase will cause real concern for rural and off-grid homes as autumn begins.

Autumn is traditionally the period when many households fill their tanks ahead of winter. With many suppliers requiring a minimum delivery of around 500 litres, families can face a significant upfront bill at precisely the point when wider household costs are also rising.

 A 500-litre order at today’s price would cost more than £500 before any additional charges, underlining the cashflow pressure facing households that cannot spread the cost of heating in the same way as those paying monthly gas or electricity bills.

Mike Foster, Chief Executive of the energy trade body EUA (Energy and Utilities Alliance) said:

“These figures should ring alarm bells in Whitehall. Heating oil customers are seeing a sharp spot year-on-year rise just as many are preparing to fill their tanks for winter. For off-grid households, this is not a marginal increase on a monthly direct debit; it can mean finding hundreds of pounds upfront simply to make sure the heating is available when temperatures fall.

“The Government recognised these pressures before and provided support to households using alternative fuels. That support was welcome, but the latest price movement suggests it is time to look again at whether vulnerable and off-grid households have adequate protection going into winter.”

Unlike mains gas customers, many heating oil users have to buy fuel in bulk and manage large seasonal payments. EUA is urging ministers to monitor the market closely and consider whether targeted help is needed if prices remain elevated through the autumn and winter period. 

Data obtained online from www.OilCompare.co.uk accessed 11.9.2026