We helped Bill with the stress of rising oil prices
Bill’s home relies on oil for heating. When prices started rising rapidly, he got in touch with us for support. Learn how we helped
How we helped
The current disruption in Middle East supply routes has caused oil prices to rise sharply for countries across the globe. In the UK, heating‑oil distributors hold very little storage and must buy at daily market prices. For people that rely on oil for heating, they are seeing their bills double or even triple in cost.
Feeling the effect of soaring prices, Bill* from Northumberland got in touch with us to find out how we could help.
Bill’s situation
Bill lives in an off-gas property in Northumberland, with his partner and three young children, two of whom have additional needs. Income is limited as Bill’s partner provides full-time care, and Bill works part-time due to his own health vulnerabilities.
Our home relies on an oil boiler for both heating and hot water. Recent increases in heating oil prices, particularly linked to global events, have caused a significant amount of stress and anxiety about how we will afford to keep our home warm.
Bill
The family currently has around 300 litres of oil left in their 1,000-litre tank. As a low-income and vulnerable household, they have already made the decision to turn heating off earlier than they normally would, despite the weather still being cold. They are trying to conserve the oil they have left, prioritising hot water over heating to avoid the risk of running out completely.
This remaining oil should see the family through to the warmer months. Normally, they would top up between March and May. Last year, they purchased 800 litres at around 54p per litre, costing approximately £453. At current prices of around £1.30 per litre, the same amount would now cost over £1,000 — more than double what was paid previously.
The cost of refilling our tank would take all of our savings and leave us financially exposed if any unexpected costs arise, such as essential car repairs that I rely on for work.
At the moment, all we can do is try to manage with what we have and hope that prices reduce, while attempting to save enough to afford our next delivery.
Bill
Our Advice
We advised sticking to small top ups of around 300–500 litres to avoid paying peak prices on large volumes, especially as volatility has led some suppliers to restrict order sizes.
We highlighted that current price variation between suppliers can be as wide as 34p per liter, which could mean a difference of up to £340 on a 1,000‑litre order.
We made Bill aware of the government’s recently announced support package of over £50 million for low‑income, off‑grid households who rely on heating oil, which will be distributed through local authorities and devolved governments.
In addition, we shared some practical and low-cost steps they can take immediately to reduce heating costs. Including draught proofing doors and windows to reduce heat loss, fitting radiator reflectors to get the most out of the heat generated, and checking if any of the radiators need bleeding, to improve their efficiency.
We also talked about how to get the most out of heating controls, to prevent unnecessary use of oil.
Is your wellbeing affected by rising oil costs?
Our advisors are available to talk from 9am to 5pm – Monday to Friday on freephone 0808 175 9345, or request a call or email from one of our advisors.
*Name changed for customer anonymity.
