Heating oil review: consumer protection enforcement case

As a result of concerns around the supply of fuel arising from the conflict in the Middle East, in March 2026 the CMA commenced a consumer protection review of the supply of heating oil to consumers.

10 September 2026: The CMA has published an open letter to domestic heating oil suppliers reminding them of the requirement that the terms and conditions in their contracts with consumers must be fair and transparent – particularly where they seek to remove or reduce a supplier’s liability to consumers, including where the supplier fails to perform its contractual obligations or there is a delay.

The review found that some heating oil suppliers cancelled orders for hundreds of customers who ordered through an intermediary site when heating oil prices surged and supply was temporarily restricted, which may have resulted in breaches of contracts. The CMA sought redress for affected customers and suppliers have voluntarily agreed to provide compensation. Eligible customers either have been, or will be, contacted directly.

Your name and contact details are your personal data. The CMA may collect, use and share personal data when carrying out its statutory functions to investigate and take action under the consumer protection legislation which the CMA enforces (including the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024). This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018.