Keep your heating oil tank topped up and be winter-ready
For households that rely on heating oil, having fuel in your tank means being prepared when you need it most.
As temperatures fall, demand for heating oil can increase. A little preparation now can help you avoid running critically low, keep your heating system working safely and give your local distributor time to make your delivery.
Recent events in the Middle East have shown how quickly circumstances can affect energy markets and fuel prices.
As a result, some households may have delayed topping up during the summer months, meaning they are likely to be going into winter with lower levels than normal. Maintaining a healthy level of heating oil can help provide a useful buffer in case of severe weather, increased demand or other unexpected disruptions.
Following the price rises earlier this year, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reviewed the market and found no evidence of widespread competition concerns, concluding that price movements were primarily linked to wholesale market conditions.
UKIFDA also continues to work with governments across the UK and Ireland to help ensure heating oil consumers know about available support. Our winter campaign includes information on national support schemes, including support linked to the Government’s £50 million emergency fund, together with practical advice, distributor support and links to independent organisations that may be able to help.
You’ll find more information about available support and useful contacts later on this page.
Keep an eye on your heating oil level throughout the year, particularly as the weather gets colder.
Don’t wait until your tank is nearly empty before ordering. Keeping at least 12 inches (300mm) of oil in your tank can help reduce the risk of sediment and other contaminants being drawn into your heating system.
UKIFDA recommends maintaining at least 500 litres of heating oil in your tank wherever possible. For some domestic tanks, this is likely to be more than 12 inches, but it provides a useful buffer in case of high demand, severe weather or unexpected delivery delays.
Maintaining a sensible tank level also gives you more time to react should unforeseen events affect fuel supplies or energy markets.
Planning ahead can help you avoid running low on heating oil. Allow plenty of time for your local heating oil distributor to deliver, especially in cold weather when demand can increase.
Most UKIFDA distributors provide ordering and delivery information online, with some also offering live heating oil prices so you can check the latest information when you’re ready to order.
If you’re unsure when to order, your distributor can advise you on how to monitor your tank and plan ahead.
Click here to find your local UKIFDA distributor
Your heating system works hardest during the colder months.
A boiler service before winter can help keep your heating system working safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of an unexpected breakdown.
It is important to check your tank regularly for visible cracks, leaks or signs of damage, and ensure the area around the tank remains clear and accessible.
If you notice a leak, damage or another problem with your tank or heating system, contact your local heating oil distributor or an OFTEC-registered technician.
Click here to book a service with an OFTEC-registered technician
Winter can be particularly challenging for older and more vulnerable households.
The UKIFDA Cold Weather Priority Scheme allows participating UKIFDA distributors to prioritise deliveries to eligible customers aged 75 and over during periods of extreme cold weather or fuel shortages.
If you are aged 75 or over and rely on heating oil, make sure you are registered with your local distributor.
The scheme is free to join and helps ensure eligible customers can be prioritised during periods of extreme cold weather or fuel shortages. You can also help by making older relatives, friends and neighbours aware of the support available and encouraging them to register.
Click here to find your local participating distributors
Find out more about the CWP scheme here
Keeping a home warm is an important concern for many households, particularly during the colder months.
Support may be available through your heating oil distributor, government support schemes and independent advice organisations. You can find information on available support schemes and useful contacts at the bottom of this page.
UKIFDA distributors are part of their local communities across the UK and Ireland, delivering to homes, farms and businesses throughout the year. They understand their customers’ needs and can advise on ordering, deliveries and managing your heating oil supply.
Many UKIFDA members offer flexible payment plans, such as monthly direct debits, which can help households spread the cost of heating oil and budget more effectively throughout the year. Some distributors also offer a range of order quantities and other flexible arrangements to suit different circumstances.
Please remember that frequent, low-volume deliveries may cost more than larger, less frequent orders. Your distributor can help you identify the most practical and cost-effective option for your needs.
Don’t wait for the cold weather to arrive. Click here to find your local UKIFDA heating oil distributor
If you’re concerned about your heating costs this winter, there are a number of support schemes available across the UK and Ireland that could help. Support varies depending on where you live and your circumstances. In March 2026, the UK Government launched a £50 million emergency fund. To access this support, consumers are encouraged to contact the relevant body for their nation:
The schemes and eligibility criteria can change, so always check the latest information.
