The Don’t Run Low This Winter: Act Now – Don’t Be Caught Out campaign has been developed to help households that rely on heating oil prepare for the colder months, while supporting UKIFDA member distributors in sharing consistent advice on fuel management, heating system maintenance and winter readiness.
As temperatures fall and demand for heating oil rises, the campaign encourages consumers to monitor their heating oil levels, maintain adequate tank levels, and order in good time rather than waiting until they are running low.
The advice follows a period of significant market volatility earlier this year, during which conflict in the Middle East contributed to higher wholesale energy costs and increased heating oil prices across the UK and Ireland.
UKIFDA recognises that some households have delayed topping up their tanks during the summer months, meaning they are going into winter with lower levels than normal. The campaign therefore encourages consumers to review fuel levels to ensure they don’t run critically low.
The Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) review of the domestic off-grid energy market, driven by price increases, found no evidence of widespread competition concerns in the heating oil sector and concluded that price movements were primarily driven by wholesale market conditions.
UKIFDA also continues to work with governments across the UK and Ireland to help ensure heating oil consumers know about available support. The campaign complements this work by signposting households to government support schemes, including the £50 million emergency support fund announced earlier this year, as well as other financial support options, independent advice organisations, and information on managing household energy costs.
Supporting customers through winter
At the heart of the campaign are five practical consumer messages:
- Check Your Level – maintain a tank level of at least 500 litres wherever possible.
- Order in Good Time – avoid leaving orders until tanks are critically low.
- Keep Your Heating System Ready – service boilers and check tanks before winter.
- Join the Cold Weather Priority Scheme – delivering awareness of UKIFDA’s Cold Weather Priority Scheme for the over-75s.
- Access Support When You Need It – raise awareness of payment options, support schemes and independent advice.
Highlighting the role of distributors
UKIFDA members play a vital role in helping households prepare for winter, providing practical advice on fuel management, budgeting, payment options and winter preparedness.
The campaign also promotes the Cold Weather Priority Scheme, which enables participating UKIFDA distributors to prioritise deliveries to eligible customers aged 75 and over during periods of extreme cold weather or fuel shortages.
Ken Mackness, Chief Executive of UKIFDA, said: “The events we saw earlier this year demonstrated how quickly international developments can affect wholesale energy markets. The CMA’s findings have also helped clarify the factors influencing heating oil prices.
“As we move into winter, our focus is on helping households plan ahead. By monitoring tank levels, maintaining a sensible tank level and ordering in good time, customers can reduce the risk of disruption during the colder months.
“UKIFDA distributors work closely with the local communities they serve and play an important role in providing practical advice, support and reliable deliveries throughout the year.”
The campaign includes a dedicated consumer landing page on the UKIFDA website, featuring a winter checklist, information about support schemes, details of the Cold Weather Priority Scheme and links to help consumers identify their local UKIFDA distributor.
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