Heating oil prices
in Wales.

Heating oil in Wales: a complete guide

Wales has over 100,000 homes heated by oil - a high proportion given its population, reflecting the rural character of much of the country. Large areas of Mid Wales, North Wales and West Wales have never been connected to the mains gas grid, making heating oil (and increasingly heat pumps and biomass) the only practical fuel for central heating. Key oil-dependent areas include Powys (one of the most sparsely populated counties in the UK), Ceredigion, Gwynedd, Conwy, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and parts of Flintshire and Denbighshire.

How much does heating oil cost in Wales?

The UK average today is 92.5p per litre for a 500-litre delivery including 5% VAT. Welsh prices are broadly in line with the UK average, with some regional variation:

• South East Wales (Monmouthshire, Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend) - closest to Bristol and South West England supplier depots; often the most competitive Welsh prices
• Mid Wales (Powys, parts of Ceredigion) - longer delivery distances from major depots can add 1-3p per litre
• North Wales (Gwynedd, Conwy, Anglesey) - mixed; proximity to North West England suppliers helps in some areas, but remote mountain communities can be pricier
• West Wales (Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire) - moderate pricing, several local suppliers operate here

Who are the main heating oil suppliers in Wales?

Wales is served by a mix of national distributors and local independents:

• Certas Energy - the UK's largest distributor, serving most Welsh postcodes
• Rix Petroleum - national coverage including North and East Wales
• Watson Fuels - South Wales and the Borders
• WR Rees & Sons - well-established Welsh independent
• Monnow Oil - South East Wales (Monmouthshire and Herefordshire border)
• Cefni Oil - Anglesey and North West Wales

Community oil buying groups are active in several Welsh rural communities - particularly in Powys and Ceredigion - and can deliver savings of 2-5p per litre over individual orders by aggregating village-level demand.

Grants and support for Welsh homes

The Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) offers £7,500 towards an air source heat pump for eligible Welsh homes, through an MCS-certified installer. The Welsh Government's Nest scheme provides free energy efficiency improvements - including heating system upgrades - for eligible lower-income households. Contact Home Energy Wales (0800 060 7799) for independent advice on grants, switching options and energy efficiency measures available to your household.