Heating oil prices
in England.

Heating oil in England: a complete guide

England has around 1.2 million oil-heated homes - the largest oil heating market in the UK. These are predominantly rural properties that were built before gas distribution reached the countryside, or in areas where the economics of laying gas mains never stacked up. Counties with the highest concentrations include Norfolk, Suffolk, Lincolnshire, Devon, Somerset, Kent, East Sussex, Herefordshire and the East Midlands.

How much does heating oil cost in England?

Heating oil is priced per litre and includes 5% VAT plus delivery. The UK average today is 92.5p per litre for a 500-litre order. Within England, prices vary by:

• Order volume - 900-1,000 litres is typically 3-5p per litre cheaper than a 300-litre order
• Region - northern counties near supplier depots (Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria) tend to be more competitive than remote rural south and east
• Season - summer orders (May-September) often see lower prices before winter demand peaks in October-February
• Supplier - prices between suppliers on the same day in the same postcode can vary by up to 5p per litre, worth £25 on a 500-litre order

Who are the main heating oil suppliers in England?

England has dozens of regional and national suppliers. The largest by volume include:

• Certas Energy - the UK's largest domestic fuel distributor, operating nationally under multiple local brands
• Rix Petroleum - strong coverage across Yorkshire, Humberside and the North East
• Crown Oil - based in Bury, covering the North West, Midlands and beyond
• NWF Fuels - North West England and the Midlands
• Watson Fuels - South East and East Anglia
• Fuel Express - national coverage, strong in East Anglia and the South
• Mercer Fuels - South East England and Home Counties
• Butler Fuels - Kent and South East
• GP Energy - North East England

Many regional independents also operate across England - some with very competitive local rates. We survey over 60 named suppliers to find the best price for your postcode.

How to buy heating oil in England

The process is straightforward - order online or by phone, specify your volume in litres, and arrange a delivery date. A few key principles:

• Order at least 500 litres to unlock the best per-litre rates. Most tanks hold 1,000-2,500 litres; fill to 90% capacity
• Compare before every order - the cheapest supplier changes daily with crude oil movements and local logistics
• Order before you run low - wait until a quarter tank, not empty. Emergency deliveries cost 8-15p per litre more
• Consider a syndicate order with neighbours to hit a larger combined volume and unlock bulk rates
• Check the lead time - standard deliveries take 3-5 working days; rural areas may be longer in winter

Grants and switching options for English homes

English households thinking about switching away from oil can apply for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS), which offers £7,500 towards an air source heat pump. The property must have a valid EPC and loft/cavity insulation where recommended. Apply through an MCS-certified installer. HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is also an emerging option for compatible oil boilers, with up to 90% lower carbon emissions than kerosene.