Ongoing conflict in the Middle East is continuing to disrupt global energy markets. Much of the world’s oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route where recent tensions have created supply risks and sharp price swings. These global pressures are feeding directly into UK heating oil prices, which have risen steeply in recent weeks.

Around 1.5 to 1.7 million UK households rely on heating oil. Many of these homes are in rural off‑gas areas, including large parts of Devon. Because heating oil is not covered by the energy price cap and requires large upfront payments, sudden price increases can place significant pressure on household budgets. Recent reports from suppliers show rises of 10 to 20 pence per litre within days, with some households struggling to secure affordable deliveries.

How this links to gas and electricity bills

The wider energy market is also being affected. Although heating oil sits outside the price cap, movements in global oil and gas markets influence the wholesale costs that Ofgem uses when setting the cap for mains gas and electricity. From 1 April, the new price cap will reduce the annual bill for a typical dual‑fuel household paying by Direct Debit to £1,641, a decrease of £117 or 7% compared with the previous period. This reflects lower wholesale prices earlier in the year and recent changes to how environmental and social scheme costs are applied to bills. While this offers some short‑term relief, wholesale prices remain sensitive to global events, and future caps may rise again if market pressures continue.

Local support for low‑income households

The Government has committed over £50 million to support low‑income households who heat their homes with oil. In England, this funding is being delivered through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, with allocations directed to areas with higher numbers of oil‑heated homes. Devon is one of these areas.

Devon is receiving £1.3 million from the fund to support eligible low‑income households facing rising heating‑oil costs. From 1 April, this support will be delivered through Devon’s district councils rather than directly by Devon County Council. More information is available here.

West Devon Borough Council (WDBC) will be one of the local delivery partners once the scheme is confirmed. WDBC will manage applications from residents in West Devon and distribute the Heating Oil Grant through the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

MoneySavingExpert Is Collecting Heating‑Oil Information

MoneySavingExpert is collecting feedback from households across the UK who rely on heating oil. They are gathering real‑world information on recent prices, delivery times, minimum‑order requirements and the wider impact on rural off‑gas communities. MoneySavingExpert is inviting heating‑oil users to share information about recent prices, delivery times and minimum‑order requirements. The data they collect will help build a clearer national picture of how current market conditions are affecting households in rural off‑gas areas. You can share your experience or feedback here.

Support with the upfront cost of fuel

For households living off‑gas and relying on oil, LPG, calor gas, wood or coal, the upfront cost of a delivery can be difficult to manage.

Lendology offers 0% bulk‑fuel loans to help spread these costs across the year. Their assessments are based on individual circumstances rather than credit scores alone, making support accessible to more households. Repayments are made by direct debit.

You can find out more and check eligibility on their website here.

How Tamar Energy Community can help

Tamar Energy Community provides free and impartial energy advice for households across West Devon and the Tamar Valley. Our energy advisors can explain grant eligibility once details are confirmed, talk through options for managing rising fuel costs, and signpost householders to wider support. If you need support get into contact here.

With summer temperatures rising, here are some practical ways to stay cool and manage your energy use effectively.

Cooling Appliances and What They May Cost

• Fans (desktop, tower, pedestal): Cost between £0.15–£0.31 per day. They help cool you by moving air across your skin. USB desk fans are a low-cost option.
• Evaporative Air Coolers: Cost around £0.28–£0.40 per day. These use water to cool the air and are more efficient than air conditioning units.
• Portable Air Conditioning Units: Significantly more expensive at £4.84–£6 per day and produce higher carbon emissions. To maximise effectiveness, keep doors closed and unplug when not in use.

Top Tip – More expensive tower, desktop and pedestal fans aren’t always more energy efficient or cheaper to run than lower-cost models. Bladeless fans, which are usually the priciest, tend to have similar running costs to standard designs.

Figures from Energy Saving Trust

Home Improvements That Can Help

Insulation

Insulation helps keep your home comfortable throughout the year by trapping heat inside during winter and keeping it out during summer. Loft, wall and floor insulation can make a noticeable difference to energy efficiency and heating costs.

In the UK, the recommended minimum thickness for loft insulation is 270 mm when using mineral wool or similar materials. For rigid foam insulation in walls or floors, typical thickness ranges from 100 to 150 mm depending on the material and the level of thermal performance needed.

Solar Film

Adding solar control film to your windows can help reduce the amount of heat caused by sunlight passing through the glass. Costs will vary depending on the type of film you choose and the size and number of windows you want to cover.

If you decide not to treat all your windows, prioritise those that receive the most sunlight. These are usually south-facing windows or those in rooms that tend to get the warmest.

Free Ways to Stay Cool

Cross Ventilation

Encourage airflow by opening windows or vents on opposite sides of your home. This draws cooler air in and pushes warm air out. For best results, open windows in the early morning or late evening, keep internal doors open, and use a fan near a window to help direct airflow. This free, energy-saving method also improves indoor air quality, helping reduce damp and mould.

Close Blinds and Curtains

Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially when the sun is shining directly through the windows. This helps block out solar heat and prevents indoor temperatures from rising. Light-coloured or reflective linings can enhance this effect by bouncing sunlight away from your home. For rooms that get particularly warm, consider using thermal or blackout curtains to further reduce heat gain.

If you have any concerns or questions get in touch here.

Price cap falls by 7%:
Ofgem has announced a 7% reduction in the energy price cap for the period 1 July to 30 September 2025. This brings the annual cost for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit down to £1,720.

What is the Energy Price Cap?
The energy price cap limits how much suppliers can charge per unit of gas and electricity on standard variable tariffs. It does not cap your total bill, which depends on how much energy you use. The cap helps protect households from being charged excessively high rates.

If you are on a fixed tariff, this change will not affect your bill.

You can use the Money Saving Expert Energy Price Cap Calculator to see how the new cap might impact your household.

Should you consider switching?
Bills remain higher than this time last year. Some fixed deals are currently 15-18% cheaper than the new cap, so it may be worth exploring your options.

Things to consider before switching

• Exit fees: Check your current tariff for any penalties
• Customer service: Look at supplier ratings and reviews
• Household usage: Consider whether your energy use is high or low
• Current supplier rates: Ask if they can offer a better deal

Take a meter reading
If you are on a standard variable tariff and do not have a smart meter, submit a meter reading before 1 July. This ensures you are not charged the higher rate for energy used after the new cap takes effect. If you are on an Economy 7 tariff, remember to take both day and night readings.

If you need help with switching suppliers or energy related advice then please get in touch here.