UKIFDA is encouraging heating oil households across the UK and Ireland to prepare early for winter, with a simple message: Don’t Run Low This Winter.
The Fuel Distribution Association (UKIFDA) has launched its Don’t Run Low This Winter: Act Now – Don’t Be Caught Out campaign, providing practical advice to help households stay warm, safe and prepared throughout the colder months.
As temperatures fall and demand for heating oil rises, the campaign encourages households to monitor their heating oil levels regularly, maintain adequate tank levels, and order in good time rather than waiting until tanks are running low.
Earlier this year, events in the Middle East contributed to higher heating oil prices across the UK and Ireland. Following its review of the domestic off-grid energy market, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found no evidence of widespread competition concerns and concluded that price movements were primarily driven by wholesale market conditions.
As a result of the high prices, some households may have delayed topping up their tanks during the summer months, meaning they are going into winter with lower levels than normal. The campaign therefore encourages consumers to review fuel levels to ensure they don’t run critically low.
UKIFDA also continues to work with governments across the UK and Ireland to help ensure heating oil consumers know about available support. The campaign signposts households to government support schemes, including the £50 million emergency support fund announced earlier this year, as well as independent sources of advice and assistance available through local distributors.
The campaign focuses on five straightforward actions to help households prepare for winter:
Monitor heating oil levels regularly and maintain at least 500 litres of heating oil wherever possible. A sensible tank level can provide valuable additional time in case of high demand, severe weather or unexpected delivery delays.
Plan ahead and avoid leaving orders until your tank is nearly empty. Many distributors provide ordering, delivery and pricing information online, and many will also advise on managing fuel levels and planning ahead.
Arrange a boiler service before winter and ensure tanks, access points and associated equipment remain safe, accessible and in good condition. Regular servicing can help your heating system operate safely and efficiently while reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
If you are aged 75 or over and rely on heating oil, make sure you are registered for the UKIFDA Cold Weather Priority Scheme. Participating distributors can prioritise deliveries during periods of extreme cold weather or fuel shortages. Encourage eligible friends, relatives and neighbours to register too.
Speak to your heating oil distributor about payment options, fuel management and available support. The campaign also provides information on government support schemes and independent sources of advice.
UKIFDA distributors are part of their local communities across the UK and Ireland, providing practical advice and support to customers year-round. Many distributors offer flexible payment options and can help households identify the most suitable ordering arrangements for their circumstances.
The campaign also provides information on support schemes and links to trusted organisations offering guidance on energy costs, fuel poverty and household budgeting.
A dedicated consumer landing page on the UKIFDA website includes a winter checklist, information about support schemes, details of the Cold Weather Priority Scheme and links to help households find their local UKIFDA distributor.
Ken Mackness, Chief Executive of UKIFDA, said:
“The events we saw earlier this year demonstrated how quickly international developments can affect energy markets and household heating costs.
“As we move into winter, our message is simple: don’t run low. By monitoring tank levels, maintaining a sensible level and ordering in good time, households can reduce the risk of disruption during the colder months.
“UKIFDA distributors work closely with the local communities they serve and can provide practical advice, information about support schemes and flexible options to help customers manage their heating oil supplies throughout the year.
“A little preparation now can help keep homes warm and comfortable throughout the winter.”
For practical winter advice, information about support schemes and details of your local UKIFDA distributor, visit the Don’t Run Low This Winter information on the UKIFDA website.
28th September 2026
