With the days get longer and the temperatures rising in the UK, heating oil is probably the last thing many people’s minds. It is, however, the perfect period to time to stock up and to provide your heating system and storage tank maintenance and attention. By ensuring that you stock up now by filling up your heating oil tanks you could save considerably in terms of money, time and inconvenience when the nights become longer and the weather begins to turn when schools return in September.
The price in May 2025 for home heating fuels line oil is at it’s lowest since 2021. Rick Higgins at Now we’re moving suggests that now is the perfect time for residents in not only rural Somerset but across the UK to stock up now whilst the prices are so low and attractive.
Other top tips from Rick include:
- The importance of buying your heating oil in bulk as opposed to smaller amounts; this in effect is more costly to supply
- Check your heating system during the summer when engineers are likely to be less busy
- Use online price comparison sites to get an indication of current and historical prices to give you an indication of potential savings
- Look also at potential local buying clubs whereby local communities come together to buy oil in bulk with the view of hopefully saving you money and time searching offers.
- Ensure your heating system does not suffer from water contamination by being below capacity during the summer months.
Rick also feels strongly about regular maintenance of rural heating storage tanks after learning the hard way whilst living in Faulkland, Somerset. After letting his system run low in terms of its overall capacity, his home heating system failed in the autumn of 2007 due to water contamination and corrosion. Finding out the hard way, here are his thoughts and opinions on why you should consider and complete seasonal maintenance of your home and commercial storage heating oil tanks especially before and after the winter.
The importance of making sure that your home heating oil system is working safety, efficiently, and longevity. Here are some of the benefits:
- Prevent Water Contamination
- Condensation builds up inside tanks during temperature changes, especially in autumn and spring.
- Water at the bottom of the tank can cause:
- Bacterial growth (fuel bug)
- Corrosion of metal tanks
- Blocked filters and fuel line
Prevent Fuel Degradation
- Avoid Fuel Degradation
- Heating oil can degrade over time, especially in warm conditions.
- Seasonal checks help ensure the oil is still usable and that sludge or sediment hasn’t built up, which can clog the system.
Check for Leaks and Damage
- Cold weather can cause plastic tanks to become brittle and metal tanks to corrode.
- Seasonal inspections (especially in spring) can catch cracks, bulges, or rust before they lead to leaks, which are costly and environmentally damaging.
Ensure System Efficiency Before Winter
- Maintenance in late summer or early autumn ensures the heating system is fully operational before colder weather arrives.
- This includes checking filters, valves, fuel lines, and gauges.
Comply with Regulations and Insurance
- Regular seasonal maintenance helps meet environmental regulations and insurance requirements.
- Some insurers require evidence of annual or seasonal servicing to cover oil-related claims.
During the summertime, seasonal maintenance of heating oil tanks is essential to prevent damage, reduce contamination, and ensure your system works safely and efficiently when you need it most—during the winter. It also helps avoid costly repairs and environmental issues.
Making the most of season heating oil prices
The prices of heating oil prices in Somerset and the rest of the UK typically drop during the summer months due to a combination of lower demand, logistical factors, and seasonal wholesale market behaviors. There are many reasons for this drop in prices during the warmer months in the UK, here are some of them:
Lower Demand
- Primary driver: Heating oil is mainly used for domestic heating, which is much less necessary during the warmer summer months.
- With fewer people using oil to heat their homes, demand decreases, putting downward pressure on prices; usual supply and demand market forces
Supply Chain Efficiency
- In summer, delivery conditions improve: roads are clearer, weather disruptions are minimal, and distribution is more efficient.
- Suppliers can restock and distribute oil more easily and at lower costs, which can be passed on to consumers.
Storage and Stockpiling
- Many consumers and businesses take advantage of lower summer prices to fill their tanks, but this typically doesn’t spike demand enough to offset the seasonal dip.
- Suppliers may also have excess inventory from the winter season that they need to offload, contributing to lower prices.
Global Oil Market Trends
- Global crude oil prices fluctuate due to a variety of factors (e.g. geopolitical tensions, OPEC policies, economic forecasts), but seasonal demand shifts, especially in heating oil-consuming regions like Europe, can influence localized markets.
- During summer, global demand for heating fuels like kerosene (used in heating oil) is lower, easing prices.
In short, less usage, easier logistics, and market cycles combine to reduce heating oil prices in the summer. Many UK households with oil heating systems choose to top up their tanks during the warmer summer period to save money ahead of the winter.
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