Heating oil prices in the UK don't stay still for long. In 2026, homeowners who rely on kerosene to heat their homes have experienced one of the most turbulent pricing periods in recent memory - driven by global events, refinery closures and seasonal demand. If you're trying to understand what you're paying, why prices have moved the way they have, and when it makes sense to order, this guide is for you.
Heating oil prices are quoted in pence per litre (ppl) and vary depending on your location, the volume you order, and conditions in the global wholesale market at the time of purchase.
In early 2026, the UK average retail price sat at approximately 64ppl. When the US/Iran conflict escalated in March 2026, wholesale prices surged sharply - the UK average reached 104ppl by March and peaked at around 123ppl in April. By summer 2026, prices had eased back toward the 100–105ppl range, though they remain elevated compared to pre-conflict levels.
These figures are drawn from the CMA's Heating Oil Market Study (final report, July 2026), which provides the most authoritative published data on UK retail pricing available.
To get a current, accurate price for your postcode and order size, use our online quote tool - prices are live and reflect today's market.
Several factors feed into the price you pay per litre. Understanding them helps you plan your orders more effectively.
Heating oil (kerosene) is a refined petroleum product, so its price is directly linked to the cost of crude oil on global markets. When crude rises - whether driven by conflict, OPEC decisions, or supply disruptions - retail heating oil prices follow. The 2026 price spike is a clear example: 83% of the retail price increase during the March–April period was attributed to higher wholesale costs, not distributor margins (CMA, 2026).
Demand for heating oil peaks in autumn and winter as temperatures drop and homeowners top up their tanks. Higher demand puts upward pressure on prices. Conversely, summer tends to be the period when prices are at their most competitive - a pattern that holds most years, though it's not guaranteed.
Heating oil is typically priced by volume. Ordering more litres in a single delivery usually means a lower cost per litre. If you have the tank capacity, ordering in bulk when prices are lower is one of the most straightforward ways to manage your costs.
Prices vary by region. Rural and remote areas - where deliveries take longer and roads are more challenging - may carry a slight premium. A local supplier with depots near you will generally be more competitive than a national operator delivering from a distance.
The closures of the Prax refinery at Immingham and the Ineos refinery at Grangemouth have tightened domestic supply options in the UK. Suppliers with their own storage capacity and contracted supply - rather than spot buyers - are better placed to maintain consistent pricing and availability during periods of supply stress.
There's no single answer that works for everyone, but a few principles hold consistently:
Summer ordering has historically offered better value than peak winter prices in most years. With your tank fuller in autumn, you're less likely to face the pressure of ordering urgently during a cold snap when demand surges.
For a standard 500-litre order at current market prices (approximately 100–105ppl as of summer 2026), you'd expect to pay in the region of £500–£525. During the height of the 2026 price spike, that same 500-litre order cost approximately £200 more than it had in February - a significant difference for household budgets.
Order volumes vary. Many households order between 500 and 1,000 litres at a time; larger or older properties with less insulation may require more. See our guide on how much heating oil your home typically uses for more detail.
Ready to order, or just want to know what you'd pay right now? Use our online quote tool at to get a live price for your postcode and volume - or call your local Rix depot directly. Our teams know their areas, know their customers, and are happy to help.
