Heating oil customers to get compensation after cancelled orders and price hikes
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has mandated that heating oil suppliers compensate customers who faced price hikes and order cancellations during the Iran-Israel conflict. While the price spikes were largely attributed to wholesale costs, the regulator identified a lack of consumer protection for off-grid households.
Why it matters
This highlights the vulnerability of consumers outside the main energy grid and the role of regulators in ensuring fair treatment during geopolitical energy crises.
Image source, Getty Images By Mitchell Labiak Business reporter Published 15 July 2026, 00:00 BST Heating oil customers who had their orders cancelled and prices raised when the US-Israel war with Iran broke out will get compensation, the competition watchdog has said.
Some 1,700 households were forced to "re-order at significantly higher prices or go without fuel" costing them up to £350, the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) said.
Some suppliers have agreed to compensate customers and the regulator is planning legal action against those who have so far refused to do so, it added.
The UK and Ireland Fuel Distribution Association (UKIFDA), which represents heating oil suppliers, said "there were a small number of cases found which require redress".
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