How can we compare prices

ria010

We have oil central heating at our home. We are advised to compare prices, but those companies who provide oil in our area of Wales won't quote any prices. Certas Energy, which has consistently been cheaper than any other company, used to charge you at the price of oil on the day you order. Now they take your order, but can't give a delivery date. They now have a system whereby they call you the day before they are due to deliver and if you are happy to pay the price they quote then, they will arrange the delivery. This is an appalling system and by the time the delivery is due, your oil level could be low and you have no choice but to accept the terms. What can be done about this, if anything.

[Deleted User]

Place orders with a few and when one calls with a price you find acceptable, take it.

Call them direct and you'll be able to at least get an idea of what they're currently charging.

canaldumidi

Yes a number of companies as well as group discounters and local groups are all doing this (or not taking orders at all).

I've found boilerjuice (yes, I know!), YourNRG, Barton, directoil, valueoils and a couple of locals are all giving quotes online usually with a choice of price depending how soon you want delivery.

Oh - and prices are down today but likely to rise again when the Russia/Roubble deal falls through....

dunstonh

We are advised to compare prices, but those companies who provide oil in our area of Wales won't quote any prices. 

During periods of high consumer demand (i.e. panic buying), the usually cheaper companies either become more expensive than local companies or they stop offering services altogether as the suppliers they use focus on their regular customers instead.   You usually find that local companies become cheaper in that period.   However, those companies will often focus on their loyal regulars rather than take new people on who may only use them once.