{"id":122974,"date":"2026-07-15T10:45:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T09:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=122974"},"modified":"2026-07-15T10:39:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T09:39:54","slug":"cma-announces-compensation-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/cma-announces-compensation-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"CMA Announces Compensation Plan for Heating Oil Households Caught by Price Spike"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Around 1,700 heating oil customers across the UK are set to receive compensation after suppliers cancelled orders during the sharp price increases triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. According to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA<\/strong>), some households were forced to pay significantly more for replacement deliveries or went without fuel altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The watchdog has also recommended stronger consumer protections for the 1.5 million UK households that rely on heating oil<\/strong>, arguing that current safeguards fall short of those available to gas and electricity customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The CMA launched its market study after heating oil prices rose sharply during the disruption caused by the conflict. While the regulator concluded that the market remained broadly competitive and suppliers did not materially profit from the price surge, it found that some customers were left exposed when existing orders were cancelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the CMA, average retail heating oil prices reached a peak that was 92% higher<\/strong> than before the disruption, highlighting the impact that wholesale market movements can have on households that are not connected to the mains gas network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compensation Scheme Targets Customers Affected by Cancelled Deliveries<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The CMA estimates that around 1,700 customers were affected by possible breaches of contract after suppliers cancelled confirmed heating oil orders. Although refunds <\/strong>were issued for the original purchases, many customers had to place new orders at substantially higher prices or were left without fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the regulator, some households paid between \u00a3150 and \u00a3350 more <\/strong>for replacement heating oil. Following discussions with the CMA, several suppliers have agreed to compensate affected customers. Those who paid more for replacement deliveries will receive payments covering the additional cost, while customers who did not reorder will have their original purchases honoured at the agreed price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The regulator said not all suppliers have agreed to participate voluntarily. CMA chief executive Sarah Cardell<\/a> said around 1,700 customers had been “left in limbo” after their orders were cancelled, adding that the authority is continuing discussions with remaining firms and is preparing court-based enforcement action if compensation is not provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The CMA has not yet confirmed how many suppliers have agreed to the scheme or how many customers will ultimately receive compensation. The BBC reported that further details are expected once the compensation process is fully established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In recent months the situation facing households reliant on heating oil has often been completely unacceptable.

Today, the CMA has made recommendations for regulation and announced they are preparing to take enforcement action.https:\/\/t.co\/X5FoJglRfg<\/a><\/p>— Martin McCluskey MP (@martinmccluskey) July 15, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>