UP TO a million households have seen their energy bills double in the last two weeks.
UK families who use heating oil rather than mains gas are facing rocketing prices.
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More than a million households rely on heating oil to keep warm.
But the price of the fuel has more than doubled in the last fortnight, pushed up by soaring crude oil costs.
Wholesale price rises have been driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Heating oil was 66.74p per litre on February 24, rising to 148.25p by March 10.
The average home uses around 1,800 litres per year, meaning a year’s supply will now cost £2,664 compared to £1,206 just two weeks ago.
That’s an annual increase of £1,458.
The sector doesn’t have a regulator and customers aren’t protected by the energy price cap, like those who use gas and electricity are.
We explain how to try and reduce your energy bill if you use heating oil.
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Compare prices regularly
You should shop around and check different retailers to try and find the cheapest prices.
The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) has a tool on its website where you can input your postcode to find suppliers in your area.
UKIFDA chief executive Ken Cronin said his top tip to customers is to keep comparing prices.
He said: “Shop around, ring them up and find out what their prices are.”
Wait it out
Obviously you don’t want to leave yourself short, but if you can wait until warmer weather hits, it’s often a cheaper time to buy your oil.
That’s because demand is lower in the summer.
If you don’t need to buy oil now, carry on comparing prices to make sure you get the best deal.
Club together
It’s cheaper to buy fuel in bulk so see if there are other households you can share a delivery with.
Often, whole streets or villages will be off-grid, so there should be other people in the same situation.
Talk to your neighbours and see if they would be interested in clubbing together to make a big order.
That way you can all save some money compared to buying oil individually.
Save energy
It’s important to keep track of your energy use, to make the oil you buy last longer and save you money.
Simple tricks such as turning down your thermostat by just one degree can make a difference to how much energy you use.
Only having radiators on in the rooms that you use can also make a big difference.
A cheap fix such as putting tinfoil behind your radiators, which reflects heat back into the room, can help you cut back on your energy use.
Making sure your home is well insulated is a more expensive step, but will pay off in the long run.
What help is available?
If you’re worried about heating oil price rises, you might be able to access help.
Contact charities such as Citizens Advice and Turn2Us if you’re concerned about paying your energy bills.
You might be eligible for help from the Household Support Fund, which gives out cash and vouchers for fuel payments.
Get in touch with your local council to find out what’s available in your area and how to apply.
It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.
You can use an online benefits calculator, which will let you know if you’re missing out on extra cash.
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