Lincolnshire's oil heated households top the league for cheapest fuel bills, says new report

The news has been warmly welcomed by the 25,000 oil users who continue to enjoy huge savings on their heating bills, especially at a time when large gas and electricity companies have come under fire for soaring prices.

The nationwide report compares the average annual running costs for a typical three bedroom homes using seven different types of heating.

Households on oil are currently paying on average £942 a year to keep warm. That’s just under £600 cheaper than LPG heating (£1,535) and some £800 less than electric storage heaters. Oil heating prices also remain lower than main gas (£967).

Since the start of the year, oil heated households have benefitted from falling costs with prices predicted to remain low throughout 2017.

In comparison, electricity and mains gas customers face uncertainty over their heating costs with energy suppliers recently announcing further price rises, in some cases as high as 15 per cent.

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, the UK trade body for oil heating, commented: “It has been a fantastic two years for heating oil households in Lincolnshire. These latest figures are part of a wider trend of falling oil prices which began in 2013 – and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, providing stability for oil heated households, particularly those struggling with their fuel bills.”

With summer fast approaching and many households expected to top up their tank following prolonged use over the colder months, OFTEC is also reminding users to shop around when purchasing their oil to make further savings.

Malcolm added: “Comparing quotes for heating oil is quick and easy to do online or by picking up the phone and speaking with different suppliers. We highly recommended households take this approach as you can potentially reduce your bills even further. You may also want to consider joining a local oil buying club to make further group savings.”

• For more information, visit www.oilsave.org.uk.