The ever-changing prices of heating oil can be confusing and unpredictable, naturally, we want to buy our heating oil at the cheapest price possible.

There are many factors that influence the price of kerosene so when is the best time to buy it and what are these influencing factors?

1. EXTREME WEATHER

Traditionally, buying your heating oil in the summertime will give you the cheapest price, this is when demand is lower meaning quotes you are given will typically be cheaper. This is because households are heating their homes at a lower level or have it completely turned off when temperatures are higher bringing down the demand and cost.

When checking the price of your domestic heating oil in the winter, prices will be higher compared to the summer months this is also a result of there being a higher demand in winter when the temperature is colder and more people are switching on their heating at higher levels. Therefore if we have cold weather the demand for heating oil will increase, driving down available stock and the price is then increased.

2. POLITICS

Governments from oil-producing countries have a big impact on oil reserves and production meaning that political influences will cause heating oil prices to increase or decrease during the year. Threats to oil production can mean that production may be compromised. This, in turn, increases the price of the oil as the supply is at risk.

Energy policies being changed also affects price, for example, the government might ban certain activities that affect the production lowering the price or the government may approve of an area for oil exploration which will increase supply and lower the price.

3. OPEC

OPEC ( Organisation of the petroleum exporting countries) currently supplies over 40 percent of the worlds crude oil consisting of 14 of the worlds major oil-exporting countries. The purpose for OPEC members is to decide collectively when to increase or increase oil production to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, maintain a steady income to the producer and a fair return on capital for the investor. Therefore the decisions that OPEC Make directly affect the price of your home heating oil.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BUY YOUR HEATING OIL?

Unfortunately, we cannot control the price of heating oil and it can be very unpredictable however, by obtaining our prices daily we can make sure our price is a true reflection of the market. Here are some tips on when you should purchase your heating oil:

• During summer months when temperatures are higher to avoid the increase of prices in winter (Buying in advance is always encouraged)

• When Experts suggest that the price of oil may drop however OPEC will often intercept to control the rush of customers and demand on producing, same for when prices are predicted to increase.

• When there is a greater global supply of oil available with little or no risk to supply.

At Grays Fuels, we constantly check our prices to ensure we're giving you the best deal possible for your home heating oil.

If you would like to order give our office a phone on 01360 660264 or receive a quote below.