Energy crisis update: Impacts for heating oil users

As Oil Installer readers will be acutely aware, the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East in late February caused a massive global shock to the energy market. This resulted in significant price rises, including to heating oil, which effectively doubled overnight.

After several weeks of extremely high prices, the situation gradually improved and prices gradually fell over the course of the spring/early summer months. However, further conflict in late July reduced oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz region – a critical shipping route for oil tankers – which has had an inevitable knock-on effect on prices.

What are the likely impacts for oil heating users?

Demand for heating oil will increase as we enter the heating season and prices may rise as a consequence. How much that happens will depend on the availability of supply, which is extremely hard to predict at this time. Up to now, supplies of heating oil have been fine and no shortages have been reported. However, we recommend advising customers not to wait until they are close to running out before reordering and to shop around for the best deal.

Government support

The UK Government has previously advised that support with the cost of oil heating is available for vulnerable customers through the Crisis Resilience Fund. The support is being delivered differently by each UK nation, so we recommend you encourage any customers that may qualify for help to contact their local council, speak to Citizen’s Advice, or check the UKIFDA website for details on how to apply.

Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills – Citizens Advice – www.citizensadvice.org.uk

UKIFDA Customer Advice Update – Support for Oil Heated Homes Across the UK – UKIFDA – www.ukifda.org
Crisis and Resilience Fund: Guidance for local authorities in England (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029) – GOV.UK – www.gov.uk (search ‘crisis and resilience fund’)

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