MSE News: Heating oil users need more consumer protections, regulator says

MSE_Abby

Stronger safeguards are needed to protect the 1.5 million households relying on heating oil, regulator the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has said. Following a market-wide review, it's recommended a series of "practical changes" to ensure heating oil users are treated fairly in future…

Read the full story:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2026/07/heating-oil-households-support/

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LessonswillbeLearned

In my area of Suffolk the limited choice of providers is exacerbated by them working as a cartel. On more than one occasion I have ordered oil from a company only to have it delivered by another. That’s firm evidence of a cosy arrangement if ever there was one. Although welcome, the CMA’s planned actions lack teeth and if electric or gas providers worked like this it would be addressed through legislation. Why not oil? Numbers I suppose - 1.5 million users are a relative drop in the ocean and isn’t going to impact on political parties to any great degree come elections. Martin, if you’re scheduled to present your money programme series in the Autumn (always watch it btw) please, please please get someone on with influence and ‘turn the screws’.

cmp1951

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6676244/mse-news-heating-oil-users-need-more-consumer-protections-regulator-says

What we desperately need is less government interference. Experience shows that it invariably increases the cost to users. If they get their hands on heating oil no doubt they will be adding levies, as with gas and electricity. With respect to cancellation of orders, then there will be something in the terms and conditions, which we all read, don't we? Possibly quoting Force Majeure in the light of the the current Gulf situation. When that situation settles down, as it will, then we will be back to a proper market. With CMA or other interference that will not happen. At least these days, we know when we accept the quote, the prices is guaranteed (except in cases of Force Majeure), as opposed to the days when I was an oil dealer, (ships bunkers, heating oil) when the price was as per price on day of delivery.

lohr500

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82079934#Comment_82079934

I tend to agree with you.

I also suspect that any Govt intervention will end up adding layers of complexity with a resultant increase in pricing.

And I suspect that unless the political wind changes direction on the current obsession with Net Zero, any opening for additional regulation will not end well for those of us who don't want to switch away from oil to heat pumps or other alternatives.