Given that there are many householders in the Harborough constituency who use oil to heat their homes, Sir Edward Garnier, the MP for the area, is encouraging his constituents to stock up early before the predicted cold winter which will see oil prices increase. In the recent past severe or prolonged winters have led to a significant increase in demand for heating oil, and weather conditions have made it difficult for supplies to reach customers. Since 2010 this Government has worked with the industry and consumer representatives to co-ordinate their Buy Oil Early campaign and to provide guidance on setting up or joining consumer buying groups.
This year’s Buy Oil Early campaign urges householders to stock up on heating oil early before the worst of the winter weather sets in. Doing that can mean a cost saving when demand is lower and guarantees fuel supply during the coldest months.
Householders are also being advised to shop around for the best deal by the Buy Oil Early campaign, run by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England), Citizens Advice Bureau, Consumer Focus, and FPS (the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers).
Sir Edward commented: “The prolonged cold temperatures last winter meant many householders, particularly in rural areas like in Harborough, found it difficult to get supplies as distributors were inundated with orders and deliveries were hampered by disruption on the roads. Common sense tells me that it is better to stock up before the cold weather sets in and when suppliers have spare delivery capacity. Ordering oil later risks longer delivery times, especially if cold weather increases demand and disrupts deliveries. I encourage all my constituents who heat their homes using oil to stock up now if they have not done so already.”
Later this month UKLPG, the trade association of the Liquid Petroleum (LP) Gas Industry, will also be encouraging LP Gas users, particularly in rural areas, to stock up early this winter while suppliers have spare delivery capacity and weather conditions are favourable.
Advice about energy saving home improvements, new heating systems or generating small scale electricity is available through the Energy Saving Advice Service - 0300 123 1234.