Heating oil stays stubbornly above 125p a litre as spring dip
Despite seasonal expectations, heating oil prices have yet to fall meaningfully — here's what's driving the sustained high.
Heating oil prices have remained elevated through spring 2026, bucking the usual seasonal dip that consumers rely on to stock up cheaply ahead of next winter.
The UK average currently sits at 96.8p per litre for a 500-litre domestic delivery — down slightly from the 102p seen in February but well above the 85–88p range of spring 2024.
What's driving it?
Several factors are keeping prices elevated:
- Brent crude stays above $85/barrel — the global oil benchmark has not corrected as many analysts predicted
- Sterling weakness — a softer pound makes dollar-denominated oil more expensive for UK buyers
- Refinery constraints in Europe — scheduled maintenance at key refineries has tightened diesel and kerosene supply
- Domestic demand — a cooler-than-average April kept rural households burning through stocks longer than usual
What should you do?
If your tank is below 25%, ordering now — even at current prices — remains sensible risk management. Waiting for a sharp drop that may not arrive before October could leave you scrambling in autumn when demand peaks and deliveries slow.
Use our heating oil comparison tool to find the best price in your area today.