Kevin S writes:
Having just watched a feature on BBC Midlands Today about the price of heating oil in Derbyshire, I feel compelled to put finger to keyboard. When we first moved to the village ten years ago, a tank of oil cost about £250 – whereas today I was quoted almost £700 for the same volume. I have learned to call around the various suppliers in order to get the best price, but today I was incensed by the responses I received from what I previously thought were reasonable companies – to the extent that I have decided to name names.
I checked the oil at the weekend, and although not needing a full tank, I thought by topping up now, I could help myself and the oil companies by thinking ahead. After all, the weather forecast is not good. I called a few companies, saying that I was not desperate, but if they were planning to visit Parwich before Christmas, could they please top me up with a half tank. Not an unreasonable suggestion, I thought.
Nevertheless, and despite my being a loyal customer in the past, Dove Fuels curtly refused to give me either a price or a delivery date. Peak Oil were polite but expensive, and could not promise a delivery until the new year. They explained that my attempt at foresight was a good idea, but wouldn’t work in practice due to backlogs and tanker breakdown. However, Halso (whom I have never used until now), were excellent, giving me a reasonable price (at least by current standards) and a guaranteed delivery before Christmas.
I guess there is little we can do against what appears to be profiteering in the light of recent weather and international oil prices, but at least we can use this forum to highlight the current issues. If you think you might need oil, just be aware that it’s not a good time right now. I would therefore recommend planning ahead, and shopping around more than usual.
PARWICH.ORG 
