Business · Energy & Commodities · 1 hr ago
Rising heating oil prices strain rural households and businesses
About 1.5 million people in the UK are not connected to mains gas and rely on heating oil, most of them in rural areas.
Heating oil prices are not regulated like gas and electricity prices, so changes in global supply can quickly affect customers.
The price was about 60p per litre until March, then rose to 134p after the war in Iran began, and now stands at 111p, according to Boiler Juice.
A typical 500-litre tank now costs about £550 to fill.
Retired resident Peter Mason in north Wiltshire says that is far more than the roughly £300 he paid last year, and he will have to use his savings carefully.
Rural businesses are also facing higher fuel costs, with some raising service prices or considering increases to what they charge.
As colder months approach, some customers are buying oil early to prepare for winter.
Heating oil prices have risen sharply, putting pressure on rural households and businesses in the UK.
Heating oil is not regulated like gas and electricity, so changes in global prices are passed on quickly to customers.
The price rose from about 60p per litre to a peak of 134p after the war in Iran began in March, and now stands at 111p, according to Boiler Juice.
Residents and businesses in western England and Wales say higher fuel costs are forcing them to cut spending or raise prices.
Some rural households have few alternatives because they are not connected to the mains gas network.
- Who
- Rural households and businesses in the UK that rely on heating oil or fuel.
- What
- Rising prices are increasing heating and operating costs. Some people are cutting spending or raising service prices.
- When
- The price rose after the war in Iran began in March and is rising again after dipping in recent months. The article was published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Rural parts of the UK, with examples from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Wales.
- Why
- The article says tensions in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine are affecting supply. The unregulated heating oil market passes global price changes on to customers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
it will be over £550
I have to be really careful and pull money out of savings.
It's ever increasing, ever worrying - keeping an eye on the news, keeping an eye on the diesel prices
not going to be much choice in the future
Heating oil cost about 60p per litre and had been relatively stable.
The war in Iran started and the price rose to a high of 134p per litre.
The price dipped before rising again.
Heating oil stands at 111p per litre, according to Boiler Juice.
- UK households off mains gas
- 1.5 million people rely on heating oil
- Heating oil price before March
- About 60p per litre
- Peak heating oil price
- 134p per litre
- Current heating oil price
- 111p per litre, according to Boiler Juice
- Peter Mason's winter top-up
- More than £550
Sources
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