OFT investigation into heating oil

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is to investigate the market for heating oil and other "off-grid" forms of energy.  This includes liquid petroleum gas and solar energy used by those not connected to the main gas supply.

The investigation will look at a number of issues including whether customers have a proper choice of suppliers with competitive prices and fair terms and conditions.  It will start in March and finish in the Autumn.

This year has been particularly difficult for consumers with the very cold weather and higher energy prices.  According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the price of liquid fuel has risen by 49% in the past year.  Around 70% of households in Northern Ireland rely on heating oil to heat their homes.

Citizens Advice has received evidence from a number of clients who could not afford to purchase home heating oil during the recent cold weather.  Citizens Advice is concerned about the effect of the increase in the price of oil for the most vulnerable people in Northern Ireland who may be forced to live in very cold conditions as they simply cannot afford to buy oil.