If you heat your home with kerosene (heating oil), you’ve likely noticed prices rising due to ongoing global events, with the situation in the Middle East affecting fuel supplies worldwide.
Around 1.5 million households across the UK rely on kerosene for heating, yet unlike mains gas and electricity, it isn’t covered by the energy price cap. This means that as kerosene prices rise, many households face significant cost increases with no protection – a worrying situation if you’re on a low income or living in a rural area with no access to mains gas.
To ease this pressure, the Government has announced additional funding to help low-income households afford heating oil and LPG. Here’s what you need to know about accessing this support.
What support is available?
The Government is providing funding through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, which will be distributed by local councils to help households that rely on domestic fuels like heating oil and LPG.
Key details:
- Support is available for households that rely on heating oil, LPG or other domestic fuels
- The funding is intended to help you maintain access to heating and hot water during this period of high prices
- The scheme is expected to run until 31st March 2027
- Priority will be given to low-income households in rural areas, though eligibility criteria vary by council
Who is eligible for heating oil support?
Each local council sets its own eligibility criteria and determines how much support to provide, so the specifics will vary depending on where you live. Generally, support will be available for:
- Low-income households
- Rural properties relying on heating oil or LPG (i.e. not connected to mains gas)
- Households struggling with rising fuel costs
Some councils may contact eligible households directly, but you don’t need to wait to be contacted – you can apply proactively.
How to apply for heating oil funding
The application process varies by council, so the best approach is to check your local authority’s website or contact them directly. If you’re unsure which council serves your area or how to contact them, you can find your local authority using the Government’s council finder tool.
Steps to take:
- Visit your local council’s website. Look for information about the Crisis and Resilience Fund or fuel poverty support schemes
- Contact your council directly. If you can’t find information online, call or email your council’s customer services team
- Prepare information about your circumstances. You may need to provide evidence of your income, your heating system, and recent fuel costs
- Apply as soon as possible. Funding is available now, so apply as soon as you can
Don’t assume you won’t qualify – eligibility criteria can be broader than you might expect, and councils want to help households genuinely struggling with heating costs.
Managing heating oil costs
While you’re waiting to hear about support, there are steps you can take to manage your heating oil costs:
- Monitor your oil tank levels and order before you run low to avoid having to request an emergency delivery
- Improve home insulation to reduce the amount of heating you need
- Service your boiler regularly to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible
And don’t forget: we’re here to help. If you have questions about ordering, managing deliveries, or getting the best value from your fuel, please get in touch.