Watson Fuels

02/11/2026

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and it's always great to hear when they've made a positive difference for a customer.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Prompt arrival, very helpful and knowledgeable about tank size, very happy with the service."

Thank you for your feedback. Reviews like this mean a great deal to our teams.

30/10/2026

Heating your home doesn't have to mean budgeting for one-off fuel bills.

With the Watson Fuels Monthly Payment Scheme, you can spread the cost of your heating oil across 12 monthly payments, making it easier to plan ahead throughout the year.

Plus, with priority delivery, online account management and optional automatic top-ups, managing your home heating becomes that little bit easier.

Discover whether it's right for you: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0zqVbQ0

Monthly Payment Scheme from Watson Fuels helps you to spread the cost of your annual fuel use over 12 monthly payments. Read more and apply here.

29/10/2026

The 1960s were a period of rapid growth for Watson Petroleum, but the business was still run from a modest head office in Brinkworth.

There were just two offices at one end of the building, both reached by outside steps. Tony Watson worked from one office, while his secretary, Audrey Parkinson, worked from the other.

Audrey was the first member of the office team and, for several years, managed the growing administrative workload single-handedly as the business expanded.

As demand for oil-fired heating increased, a Boiler Service Department was established in 1966. Building a skilled team wasn't easy, but with people like Colin Bushnell and Roger Brookes helping to lead the way, the department quickly grew alongside the business.

Expansion continued throughout the decade, with Watson Petroleum extending its reach into Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Dorset and West London.

As the business continued to grow, the refurbishment of the Wokingham depot provided additional storage capacity and improved facilities, helping the business meet increasing customer demand and support its next stage of development.

From a small office in Brinkworth to a growing regional network, the determination and dedication of our people helped shape the business we know today.

Pictured: The refurbished Wokingham depot.

21/10/2026

How long will a heating oil tank last?

There's no correct answer. The lifespan of your tank depends on the type of tank you have and how well it is maintained.

A plastic tank will typically last 10 to 15 years. A bunded steel tank will typically last for 15 to 25 years. But in both cases, it depends on how well you maintain the tank.

Plastic tanks are vulnerable to sunlight and harsh weather, which can weaken the plastic and cause cracks over time. Metal tanks are prone to rust - from the inside due to water condensation, or from the outside if the paint peels.

TIP: Check your tank every month for signs of wear and tear, including cracks, rust, leaks, bulging and movement. Keep up your annual boiler inspection by an OFTEC-registered engineer because they will also inspect your tank for you.

15/10/2026

The early 60s marked a major change in the UK home heating market, with new technologies making central heating a practical option for more households. In 1960, our founder, Tony Watson secured the Regent Domestic Heating Plan contract for the Reading area, helping to position the business at the heart of this growing market.

In 1962, Tony travelled to Canada to learn from a leading home heating specialist. Inspired by what he discovered, he established Watson Heating Limited, offering a fully integrated service that included design, installation, fuel supply and burner maintenance.

As pioneers in the sector, Watson Heating went on to install Berkshire's first central heating oil storage system.

Demand for heating oil continued to grow, and so did the business. New depots were established, including facilities in Theale and Bletchley, increasing storage capacity and strengthening supply resilience.

Growth brought its challenges, particularly during the severe winter of 1962/63, but thanks to the determination and commitment of the team, customers continued to receive the fuel they needed.

A lot has changed since these early days, but our commitment to innovation, dependable service and supporting the communities we serve remains as strong as ever.

Pictured: Our Theale depot in the 60s.

12/10/2026

If you rely on heating oil to keep your home warm, this Winter Ready checklist from UKIFDA may be helpful.

UKIFDA, the Fuel Distribution Association for the UK and Ireland, has shared practical advice to help households prepare for the colder months, including checking tank levels, planning deliveries and making sure heating systems are ready for winter.

It also signposts support schemes and organisations that may be able to help if needed.

Find out more: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yTR070

06/10/2026

New to heating oil?

If you've recently moved into a home with an oil-fired heating system, our handy guide covers everything you need to know. From ordering your first delivery to managing your tank levels, it's packed with answers to the questions new heating oil users ask most often.

With almost 70 years of experience helping households across the UK, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Read the guide: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0yKVpP0

24/09/2026

Our story began almost 70 years ago with one man, one tanker and a commitment to serving local communities.

In the 1950s, Anthony (Tony) Watson returned from the RAF after completing 34 operations during World War II. Settling in Wiltshire with his wife Audrey, he set about building a business from the ground up, hauling livestock, supplying feed and delivering lubricants to local farmers.

A chance conversation in a Brinkworth pub changed everything. Tony met Ron Savage from Regent Oil, who suggested that if he was already delivering lubricants, why not deliver fuel from Regent Oil too?

Tony said yes and in 1957, Watson Petroleum Limited was born.

From those early days to today's nationwide network, we've remained guided by the same values that built the business: determination, pragmatism and a strong connection to the local communities we serve.

23/09/2026

Today, we're shining a spotlight on James Joyce, Head of Lubricants and AdBlue.

Having spent 17 years with Watson Fuels, James leads a specialist team providing technical advice, reliable supply and tailored solutions to customers across agriculture, transport, industrial operations and power generation.

As equipment and operating requirements continue to evolve, choosing the right lubricant has never been more important. That's where James and the team come in, helping customers protect machinery, reduce avoidable downtime and keep their operations running smoothly.

As James explains:
"Building relationships is not just about selling lubricants; it's about helping customers protect equipment, reduce avoidable issues and keep their operations running."

It's this combination of technical expertise, industry knowledge and customer focus that helps the team deliver value beyond the products they supply.

A bit more about James:
🔧 Outside of work, James takes on his own DIY and refurbishment projects.
🎬 His specialist Mastermind subject would be comedy-horror films from the 1980s and 1990s.
🏛️ Visiting the pyramids is at the top of his travel bucket list.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 His proudest achievement is his four children.

15/09/2026

Tank checklist: 7 things to check before the colder weather arrives

As we head into the colder months, now is the time to give your oil tank a quick health check. A few simple checks could help you spot potential issues early and ensure you're ready when temperatures drop.

Here is your 7-step checklist:

✅ 1. Clear the area around your tank
Remove any vegetation, debris or other items surrounding the tank to allow easy access and visibility.

✅ 2. Inspect your tank for signs of damage
Keep an eye out for signs of ageing or wear, such as rust, cracks, splits, bulging or movement in the tank base.

✅ 3. Check for leaks
Inspect valves, fittings and pipework, and look out for any signs of oil spills or the smell of oil around the tank.

✅ 4. Test gauges and monitoring equipment
Make sure gauges and monitors are connected and working correctly so you can keep track of your fuel levels.

✅ 5. Check containment areas of your bunded tank
If you have a bunded tank, ensure the containment area is clean, free from debris and in good condition. A bunded tank has an outer protective layer designed to contain oil in the unlikely event of a leak from the inner tank.

✅ 6. Review security measures
Check locks, access points and any other security features to help protect against fuel theft.
✅ 7. Stay on top of servicing

Review your maintenance records and inspection schedule. Your oil tank should be inspected regularly, ideally at the same time as your annual boiler service by an OFTEC-registered engineer.

At Watson Fuels, our Fuel Delivery Standards are designed to help keep both our customers and drivers safe during every delivery. By carrying out these simple checks, you'll help ensure your tank remains safe, accessible and ready for the heating season ahead.

View our Fuel Delivery Standards here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0y8MBL0