The Complete Guide to Buying Heating Oil in the UK

1. What Is Heating Oil?

Heating oil (also called kerosene or 28-second oil) is used by around 1.5 million UK homes that aren't connected to the gas grid. It's stored in a tank on your property and burned in a boiler to heat your home and hot water.

Unlike mains gas, there's no single supplier - you buy from independent distributors, and prices vary significantly between them. That's why comparing prices before you order can save you real money on every fill.

2. Types of Heating Oil Explained

Most homes use standard kerosene. If your supplier offers a premium additive version, it can help keep your boiler running efficiently and reduce sludge buildup - but it costs a little more per litre.

3. How Much Heating Oil Do I Need?

The average UK home using oil central heating burns through 1,200-1,800 litres per year. Your actual usage depends on:

• Property size and type - a 4-bed detached house uses roughly twice as much as a 2-bed terrace
• Insulation quality - poor insulation can increase consumption by 30-40%
• Thermostat setting - each 1°C higher can add up to around 10% to your heating use
• Boiler age and efficiency - modern condensing boilers are 90%+ efficient vs. 70% for older models
• Number of occupants - more people means more hot water and heating hours

4. When Is the Best Time to Buy?

Heating oil follows the crude oil price and the pound much more than the calendar. Prices are often lower in spring and summer when demand is low, but in 2026 they rose sharply in March and April and stayed above their pre-spring level. The usual pattern:

Pro tip: Check today's prices before you order, and think twice before waiting for a dip: prices can rise as well as fall.

5. 10 Ways to Save Money on Heating Oil

1. Always compare prices - prices vary by £100+ between suppliers for the same order. Compare on fueltool every time.
2. Buy in summer - fill your tank in May-September when prices are lowest.
3. Order larger quantities - larger orders are usually a little cheaper per litre (around 1p between 500 and 1,000 litres), so fill as much as your tank comfortably takes.
4. Don't wait until you're nearly empty - desperate buyers pay more, and emergency delivery fees are steep.
5. Turn your thermostat down 1°C - can cut your heating use by up to around 10% with little change in comfort.
6. Service your boiler annually - a yearly service keeps the boiler efficient and catches faults early.
7. Insulate your home - loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, and draught-proofing are the most cost-effective improvements.
8. Use a programmable thermostat - only heat your home when you need to. Drop temperatures when you're asleep or out.
9. Bleed your radiators - trapped air makes them less efficient. Check at the start of each winter.
10. Consider a group buy - join neighbours to place a combined order for a bulk discount.

6. How to Order Heating Oil

Ordering through fueltool takes under 2 minutes:

7. Oil Tank Sizes and Types

Oil tanks come in two main types:

• Single-skin tanks - cheaper, but the rules often call for a bund (secondary containment). In England a bund is needed for tanks over 2,500 litres, within 10 metres of water, within 50 metres of a well or borehole, or where a spill could reach a drain. Rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so ask an OFTEC-registered engineer.
• Bunded tanks - double-walled with built-in containment. Required for tanks over 2,500 litres, near water courses, or in certain positions.

Common household sizes:

8. Tanker Sizes Explained

When ordering, you'll choose a tanker size based on access to your property:

• Normal (6-wheel) - standard delivery vehicle. Choose this unless you have access issues.
• Small (4-wheel) - for properties with tighter access, low bridges, or weight restrictions. ~10ft wide, ~25ft long.
• Baby tanker - for very restricted access with narrow lanes, low overheads. ~8ft wide, ~16-18ft long. Usually costs more per litre.

If you're unsure, choose Normal and add a note about access when checking out - your supplier will contact you if they need to send a smaller tanker.

9. What to Expect on Delivery Day

• Each supplier sets its own delivery date, shown with every price. At the moment most are one to two weeks away, and longer in cold spells.
• The driver will pump oil directly into your tank through a hose. You don't need to be home if your tank is accessible.
• Make sure the path to your tank is clear and the fill cap is accessible.
• The driver will leave a delivery ticket showing the exact litres delivered.
• Check your tank gauge after delivery to confirm the level.

10. Boiler Maintenance and Efficiency

Your boiler is the single biggest factor in your heating costs. A well-maintained modern boiler is 90%+ efficient, while an old unmaintained one might only be 65-70%.

Annual service checklist:

• Get your boiler serviced by an OFTEC-registered engineer every year
• Replace the nozzle and oil filter annually
• Check the flue for blockages or corrosion
• Bleed radiators to remove air pockets
• Check the oil tank for leaks, damage, or discolouration
• Consider upgrading to a condensing boiler if yours is 15+ years old

11. Frequently Asked Questions