CMA Secures Compensation for Heating Oil Customers

We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Hundreds set to receive compensation after their orders were cancelled following the conflict in the Middle East. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has intervened over concerns that some suppliers cancelled orders when heating oil prices surged, which may have been a breach of contract. The CMA has secured compensation from suppliers after finding that hundreds of customers who ordered through an intermediary site were impacted. While customers received refunds for their original orders following cancellations, many had to buy replacement oil at significantly higher prices, while others went without the essential fuel. The CMA estimates customers may have paid between £150 and £350 more for replacement heating oil. Following CMA intervention, customers whose suppliers have joined the compensation scheme, and who paid more for replacement oil, will receive a payment covering the difference between the original and replacement order. Customers who did not purchase replacement oil will have their original order honoured at the agreed price. Eligible customers do not need to do anything and either have been, or will be, contacted directly – around 800 customers have already been notified. Those seeking compensation for replacement purchases will need to provide evidence of their replacement order, such as a receipt and delivery note. The CMA will continue to work with suppliers to finalise compensation arrangements and ensure affected customers receive the payments they are due. Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: Heating oil isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity that many people rely on to have hot water and warm homes. During the price spikes earlier this year, hundreds of customers were left out of pocket or without fuel after their orders were cancelled. That’s why we’ve pressed suppliers to put it right. They’ve now agreed to compensate those affected by issuing compensation or honouring their original contracts. For more information, visit the heating oil consumer case page . Figure 1: The price of heating oil per litre from February 2026 to March 2026 by nation Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm. On bank holidays , or outside of working hours, media can call the out of hours number or use the media email address above. The following links open in a new tab Share on Facebook (opens in new tab) Share on X (opens in new tab) Updates to this page Published 28 August 2026 Is this page useful? Maybe Yes this page is useful No this page is not useful Thank you for your feedback Report a problem with this page Help us improve GOV.UK Do not include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript ) .