09/03/2026
A call for more solar and wind energy if ever there was one.
🚨 Heating oil costs in rural Derbyshire have more than doubled in just a week 🚨
At Rural Action Derbyshire, we’re warning residents that the rapidly escalating crisis in the Middle East is now driving extreme spikes in domestic heating oil prices. Shipping disruption through the Strait of Hormuz—where tanker movements have dropped by more than 80%—is hitting global supply routes and pushing prices sharply upward.
Across Derbyshire, households relying on heating oil have seen the cost of 500 litres soar from around £300 to £700–£800, with some online suppliers unable to provide any quote at all. Our Oil Buying Scheme supplier, Peak Energy, is continuing deliveries but has had to temporarily cap orders at 500 litres due to demand and market volatility.
Our CEO, Emma Simpson, says:
“People who rely on heating oil are facing a sudden and frightening surge in cost. Many rural households were already struggling, and seeing prices double almost overnight is deeply worrying. For some, deciding whether to order oil right now comes down to whether they can actually afford it.”
We’re urging residents not to panic buy. Prices will fall again, and if you don’t urgently need oil, it’s better to wait.
Our Oil Buying Scheme is still helping members access a more competitive rate. While prices remain volatile, the scheme continues to offer households better value than buying alone — with current member rates at £680 for 500 litres, compared to up to £865 online.
Read our full update here 👉
