A growing number of UK households are being pushed to the brink as heating oil and LPG costs spiral, with Martin Lewis warning of a deepening crisis affecting off-grid homes.
The founder of MoneySavingExpert has gathered thousands of responses from households across the UK, highlighting sharp price rises, supply issues and concerns over unfair practices - now being compiled into a dossier for regulators.
Feedback gathered by MoneySavingExpert paints a stark picture of a market under pressure:
- Typical heating oil prices have jumped
- Emergency deliveries can cost significantly more
- Some suppliers are reportedly refusing bulk orders due to lack of stock
- Households describe being forced to ration heating or switch it off completely, even during cold weather.
For vulnerable groups - including older people and those with health conditions - the impact is particularly severe, with reports of both financial and emotional strain.
“Wild West” market concerns
One of the most alarming findings flagged by Martin Lewis is the lack of regulation in the sector.
According to submissions:
- Orders are being cancelled after payment
- Customers are being asked to pay more after agreeing a price
- New “price-on-delivery” policies mean no cost certainty
- Refund delays and unexpected charges are becoming more common
Many households feel they have no protection or recourse, describing the system as unregulated and unpredictable.
Should I overpay my mortgage? If I sign up online, have I a right to cancel online? Can I open an ISA for my niece? MY NEW QUESTION TIME PODCAST where you ask me questions on these & far more. Do pls listenhttps://t.co/O7b14FLwb2https://t.co/R4eZdU6Xi2https://t.co/RCrSyznDx9
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) March 16, 2026
“If it’s very close between the two, generally, overpaying your mortgage will win.”
What households can do right now
With immediate help uncertain, experts say households may need to take short-term action:
1. Avoid panic buying
Rushing to order oil during spikes can push prices even higher.
2. Track usage closely
Monitoring tank levels can help avoid costly emergency deliveries.
3. Join buying groups
Bulk purchasing with neighbours can reduce costs.
4. Cut consumption
Turning the thermostat down by 1°C could cut usage by 10%. Heating only occupied rooms reduces waste
5. Improve efficiency
Better insulation and modern boilers could cut oil use by 10–30%, offering significant savings over time.
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Support gap: 1.2 million could get nothing
Separate analysis from The Energy Shop highlights a major flaw in the government’s support plan, announced by Keir Starmer.
While a £53m fund is being distributed via the Crisis and Resilience Fund, it is expected to be means-tested.
That means:
- Around 29% of UK households qualify for means-tested support
- But 71% may not qualify, despite soaring costs
- Applied to oil-heated homes, that leaves 1.2 million households unsupported
Energy expert Scott Byrom warns that many off-grid households - especially in rural areas - could fall through the cracks.
Support is expected to begin rolling out from 1 April, with funding allocated to local councils:
- England: £27m
- Northern Ireland: £17m
- Scotland: £4.6m
- Wales: £3.8m
However, because councils distribute funds locally, payments may take weeks or longer to reach households.
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