CMA Secures Compensation for Heating Oil Customers

The Competition and Markets Authority secured compensation for hundreds of heating oil customers whose orders were cancelled during price surges earlier this year. These spikes were driven by conflict in Iran, causing heating oil prices to rise 64% between February and March 2026, before peaking in April at 123 pence per litre—a 92% increase from February levels.

Suppliers have agreed to honor original contracts or cover the price difference for affected customers who used intermediary sites. The regulator estimates that these customers paid between £150 and £350 more for replacement fuel. Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, noted that heating oil is a necessity for hot water and warm homes, and that many customers were left out of pocket or without fuel during the spikes.

In parallel, the Government of the United Kingdom provided a £53 million support package for low-income rural households. Additionally, the Northern Ireland government announced a £100 heating oil voucher, with the application process scheduled to open on September 9.