Rural families face 'fuel or food' choices this winter as heating oil prices nearly DOUBLE since Iran war

From the Newshound archive · first published 13 October 2026 · last updated 14 October 2026.

Around 1.7 million households dependent on heating oil — beyond the reach of Ofgem's price cap — are paying close to double last winter's rates after costs spiked following the outbreak of the Iran war. The Government has accepted a Competition and Markets Authority recommendation to regulate the heating oil market, committing to stronger consumer protections and clearer routes to compensation. Liz Humphris, of Bishop's Castle in Shropshire, says 500 litres now costs her over £500, prompting her to ration her orders. The CMA found that 1,700 households were owed compensation after suppliers cancelled their orders and forced them to rebook at inflated prices.

South Shropshire has one of the highest proportions of off-grid homes in the UK, with 53% of properties without mains gas.

Prices more than doubled in early March — from 60p to over 120p per litre — and have climbed back above £1 per litre since September.