Buying Heating Oil in the UK: Everything You Need to Know

Before You Order

Before placing a heating oil order, there are a few things you need to know and check:

Check Your Tank Level

Always check your current oil level before ordering. This tells you:

How much you need — Don't guess; know your tank's capacity and current level
Whether it's urgent — Below 25%? Order soon. Below 10%? Order immediately

How to Check: Most tanks have a gauge (sight tube or float gauge). If yours doesn't work reliably, use a dipstick or check the sight glass. Some homeowners install smart monitors that send alerts to their phone.

Know Your Tank Size

Common domestic oil tank sizes in the UK:

1,000 litres — Most common, suits 2-3 bedroom homes
1,200 litres — Popular upgrade, provides more buffer
1,360 litres (300 gallon) — Often found in older properties
2,500 litres — Large properties or farmhouses

Knowing your tank size prevents over-ordering (spillages are costly and environmentally damaging).

Confirm Access Requirements

Delivery tankers are large vehicles. Ensure:

Your property has clear access for a delivery lorry
There are no overhanging branches, low walls, or narrow gates blocking access
The driver can get the hose to your tank (maximum reach is typically 30 metres)

If access is restricted, inform the supplier when ordering. Some areas require smaller "mini-tankers" which may cost more.

How Much Should You Order?

The right order quantity balances cost savings against your storage capacity and cash flow.

General Recommendations

Your Tank Size	Minimum Order	Optimal Order
1,000 litres	500L	800-900L
1,200 litres	500L	1,000L
2,500 litres	500L	1,500-2,000L

Why Larger Orders Save Money: The per-litre price drops significantly with volume. Ordering 1,000 litres instead of 500 can save 5-8p per litre — that's £50-£80 in savings.

Factors to Consider

Available Budget: While larger orders are cheaper per litre, you need the cash upfront. If budget is tight, 500 litres is fine — you're not losing much per litre compared to 600-700L orders.

Time of Year: In summer, consider filling completely to take advantage of lower prices. In winter, order what you can afford without waiting until desperation sets in.

Storage Losses: Oil stored for very long periods can degrade slightly, though modern kerosene is stable for 18-24 months. Don't over-order if you use very little oil.

Types of Heating Oil

Not all heating oil is the same. Understanding the types ensures you order the right fuel for your system.

Kerosene (28-Second Oil)

Also known as: Standard heating oil, burning oil, C2, 28-second

This is what most UK homes use. It's a light, clean-burning fuel suited to modern domestic oil boilers and range cookers (AGAs, Rayburns).

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow
Viscosity: Light (28 seconds in the standard test)
VAT: 5% for domestic heating

Premium Kerosene

Standard kerosene with added benefits:

Cleaner burning — Less soot buildup in your boiler
Better stability — Lasts longer in storage
Improved cold-weather performance — Additives prevent waxing in extreme cold

Costs 2-4p per litre more. Worth considering for exposed tanks or infrequent users.

Gas Oil (35-Second Oil / Red Diesel)

Not for domestic boilers!

Gas oil is thicker, dyed red, and primarily used for agricultural machinery and commercial heating. Using it in a domestic boiler will void your warranty and damage the system.

Finding the Right Supplier

Choosing a supplier isn't just about price. Consider:

Local vs National

Local Independent Suppliers:

Often more flexible on delivery times
May offer personal service and local knowledge
Can sometimes beat national prices on delivery routes they already cover

National Suppliers:

Larger operations with extensive coverage
May have more competitive base prices
Often offer online ordering and tracking

What to Look For

UKIFDA membership — Shows adherence to industry standards
Clear pricing — No hidden delivery charges
Flexible delivery windows — Especially important if you work from home
Positive reviews — Check Google, Trustpilot, or local Facebook groups
Payment options — Card payments are standard; some offer finance

The Easy Way: Compare Online

Rather than phoning multiple suppliers, use our price comparison tool to get instant quotes from verified suppliers in your area. Enter your postcode and order quantity to see real-time prices, compare options, and order with confidence.

Alternatively, browse our local suppliers directory to discover heating oil suppliers in your county. You'll find contact details, coverage areas, and key information to help you choose the right supplier for your needs.

The Delivery Process

Understanding how delivery works helps you prepare:

What to Expect

1. Ordering: You place an order specifying quantity and delivery date window 2. Scheduling: The supplier adds you to their delivery route (typically 2-5 working days) 3. Delivery day: A tanker arrives and pumps oil into your tank via a hose 4. Payment: Usually taken at time of order (card) or on delivery (rare now)

Delivery Timing

Standard delivery: 3-7 working days (cheapest)
Priority delivery: 1-2 working days (small premium)
Emergency delivery: Same day or next day (can cost £30-50+ extra)

Pro Tip: Order before you're desperate. Emergency deliveries are expensive and often limited in winter.

On Delivery Day

You don't need to be home — Most deliveries don't require you to be present
Ensure access is clear — Move cars, open gates if needed
The driver leaves a ticket — This shows how much was delivered

Payment Options

Card Payment (Most Common) Pay when you order. Debit cards are usually fee-free; some suppliers charge 1-2% for credit cards.

Bank Transfer Some suppliers accept BACS payment. Usually requires payment before delivery.

Budget Payment Schemes Spread the annual cost over 12 months with fixed monthly payments. Suitable if you'd struggle with lump-sum payments, though you lose flexibility on timing purchases.

Buying Group Payments If ordering through a syndicate, payment is typically coordinated by the organiser.

Heating Oil Buying Groups

Buying groups (also called syndicates or clubs) pool orders to negotiate discounts.

How They Work

1. A coordinator collects orders from members (often 10-50 households) 2. They approach suppliers with the combined volume 3. Suppliers compete for the bulk order, offering better prices 4. Everyone in the group gets the discounted rate

Typical Savings

Groups can secure prices 2-5p per litre cheaper than individual orders. For 1,000 litres, that's £20-£50 saved.

Finding a Buying Group

Check with your parish council or community association
Search Facebook for local groups
Ask neighbours if they're part of one
OFTEC maintains a list of registered groups

Downsides

Less flexibility: You order when the group orders
Coordination required: Someone has to organise it
Same delivery window: The whole group gets delivered together

Advice for First-Time Buyers

New to heating oil? Here's what you need to know:

Step 1: Understand Your System

Find out:

Your tank location and size
What fuel your boiler uses (almost certainly kerosene)
Who last serviced the boiler and when

Step 2: Check Your Tank

Have an OFTEC technician inspect your tank if you've just moved in. Old tanks may need replacing, and you're responsible for any environmental damage from leaks.

Step 3: Get Multiple Quotes

Don't just call the previous owner's supplier. Compare prices — you might find significant savings.

Step 4: Start with a Moderate Order

If you're unsure about consumption, start with 500-700 litres. Track usage over a few months to understand your needs before committing to larger orders.

Step 5: Plan Ahead

Don't wait until winter to figure this out. Summer is the best time to fill up and establish supplier relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the minimum order for heating oil? Most suppliers require a minimum of 500 litres for delivery. Some mini-tanker services accept smaller orders (300L+) but charge more per litre.

Can I mix different brands of heating oil? Yes, all standard kerosene is compatible. You can safely use different suppliers for different orders.

How long does heating oil last in the tank? Modern kerosene is stable for 18-24 months when stored properly. Longer storage may lead to degradation and water contamination.

What if I run out of heating oil? If your tank runs empty, you'll lose heating and hot water. The boiler may need bleeding to restart. Don't run on sediment — it damages the system. Order emergency delivery immediately.

Do I need to be home for delivery? Usually not, as long as the driver can access your tank. If you have locked gates, arrange access.