When Is the Best Time to Buy Heating Oil?
Understanding Heating Oil Price Fluctuations
Heating oil prices don't stay constant throughout the year. Understanding these patterns can help you save significant money on your heating costs.
Summer: The Off-Peak Opportunity
May through September is typically the best time to buy heating oil. During these warmer months, demand drops significantly as most households don't need heating. This reduced demand often translates to lower prices.
Many savvy homeowners take advantage of summer prices by:
- Filling their tanks when prices are at their lowest
- Setting up budget payment plans that spread costs across the year
- Joining heating oil buying groups to negotiate better rates
Autumn: The Transition Period
October and November see prices begin to rise as homeowners prepare for winter. However, you might still find competitive deals, especially early in autumn before the cold truly sets in.
Winter: Peak Demand Season
December through February typically brings the highest heating oil prices. Cold snaps can cause sudden price spikes as everyone scrambles to refuel their tanks simultaneously.
Spring: A Second Opportunity
March and April can offer decent prices as winter demand fades. If you didn't fill up in summer, spring provides another window of opportunity.
Tips for Getting the Best Price
1. Compare prices regularly - Use services like OilCompare to check multiple suppliers at once 2. Don't wait until empty - Ordering when your tank is critically low limits your negotiating power 3. Consider automatic delivery - Some suppliers offer discounts for scheduled deliveries 4. Monitor crude oil prices - Heating oil prices follow crude oil trends 5. Join a buying group - Collective purchasing power can secure better rates
The Bottom Line
While summer remains the sweet spot for heating oil purchases, the most important strategy is to compare prices from multiple suppliers before ordering. Price differences between suppliers can be substantial—sometimes 10-15 pence per litre or more.
Use OilCompare to instantly compare prices from trusted UK suppliers and ensure you're getting the best deal, regardless of the season.
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