How to find the cheapest home heating oil
Home heating oil prices can change quickly, so comparing suppliers before you buy can help you avoid overpaying. Here’s how oil prices work, when to buy, and how to cut the cost of heating your home.
Latest UpdateHeating oil prices surge after global unrest
23/03/2026: Home heating oil prices in Ireland have jumped after a rise in global oil costs linked to conflict in the Middle East.
The average price of 500 litres has increased from about €500 to over €870 in recent weeks, with some suppliers charging more depending on location.
The Government has signalled possible short-term fuel supports, but prices remain volatile, so it’s worth comparing suppliers before buying.
How much is home heating oil?
Home heating oil prices in Ireland change frequently and can vary by county, supplier and delivery amount.
In recent years, the price of 1,000 litres has ranged from as much as €1,550 to as little as €330, with prices peaking in 2022. Prices can also differ by location, sometimes by up to €150, with rural areas often costing more for delivery.
The national average for 500 litres was around €725 in May 2026, but prices can rise or fall quickly during periods of global unrest, high demand or supply pressure.
In March 2026, global oil prices surged following conflict in the Middle East, pushing the average cost of 500 litres of home heating oil in Ireland from around €500 to over €870 in a matter of weeks.
You can track heating oil prices in Ireland and find out how much you can expect to pay in your county at oilprices.ie.
What affects the price?
Home heating oil prices in Ireland are closely linked to global oil markets, which means costs can rise or fall quickly.
In recent years, households have seen sharp price increases during periods of international conflict, supply shortages and high fuel demand. Because Ireland imports most of its fuel, changes in global oil prices can be felt almost immediately.
The price of home heating oil changes frequently and is affected by:
- Seasons and weather
- Consumer demand
- Global oil prices
- Exchange rates
- Government taxes and carbon tax
- Geopolitical events and supply disruptions
In Budget 2026 the Government increased the carbon tax on fossil fuels by €7.50 per tonne and will continue to do so each year until 2029. Prices were due to rise on 1 May 2026, but this has now been postponed until 14 October 2026 due to events in the Middle East.
Should you buy heating oil now or wait?
If your tank is running low, it’s usually better to buy what you need rather than waiting for prices to fall. Heating oil prices can move quickly, and there’s no guarantee they’ll drop before you need your next delivery.
If prices are high but you still have some oil left, you could:
For example, if 500 litres costs €725, but another supplier is €40 cheaper for the same amount, comparing before you buy could cover part of your delivery cost or leave more in your household budget.
What types of heating oil are there?
There are three types of heating oil – gas oil and kerosene. Gas oil is a heavier oil generally used for commercial reasons, while Kerosene is used in many homes.
- Gas oil is dyed green so it’s not mistaken for regular diesel. It’s also known as Marked Gas Oil (MGO), Green diesel and 35 second oil.
- Kerosene is an orange colour and is also known as Jet A1 kero, Standard kero and 28 second oil.
- Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is a fossil-free fuel with up to 90% lower net CO2 emissions.
How much kerosene do you use in a year?
An average 3 bedroom household uses around 1,300 to 2,000 litres of kerosene a year. Most households need to buy oil two or three times a year, depending on their tank size.
The amount of home heating oil you use depends on things like:
- The size of your home/household
- How often the heating is on
- Whether you use kerosene to cook food
Tips to save money on your heating oil
You can’t control global oil prices, but you can control when, where and how you buy your home heating oil. These simple steps can help you avoid paying more than you need to.
1. Avoid peak winter demand
Heating oil is often more expensive when demand is high, especially during colder months when more households are ordering.
If you can, avoid leaving your order until the middle of winter. Buying in spring, summer or early autumn may help you get a better price, although prices can still change quickly depending on global oil markets.
A larger order in late summer or early autumn could help you avoid buying again during peak winter demand, but only order what you can safely store in your tank.
2. Buy in bulk if you can
The more oil you buy in one order, the cheaper the price per litre may be. Ordering 1,000 litres can often work out better value than ordering 500 litres, but the upfront cost will be higher.
Try to avoid very small orders if you can, as they may cost more per litre and could mean paying delivery charges more often.
How much oil does a domestic tank hold?
The capacity of an oil tank varies, but many domestic tanks hold around 1,000 to 2,500 litres.
If you’re not sure how much your oil tank holds, there should be a product label on the side or back of the tank confirming its maximum capacity. Alternatively, take some measurements using a tank size calculator.
If you’ve overestimated how much oil will fit in your tank, most suppliers will top it up to a safe level and only charge for the amount you take.
3. Check delivery and payment charges
The cheapest headline price may not always be the cheapest final price, so check for extra charges before you order.
Look out for:
- Delivery charges: These can vary by supplier, order size and how rural your location is.
- Card payment fees: Some suppliers may charge extra for credit card payments.
- Instalment costs: Paying upfront is usually cheaper than spreading the cost, if you can afford to do so.
- Urgent delivery fees: Ordering before your tank is nearly empty can help you avoid emergency delivery costs.
4. Join a community oil club
Community oil clubs allow households in the same area to place larger combined orders, which can help reduce the price per litre and cut delivery costs.
You can look for a local oil club through neighbours, community groups or local Facebook pages. If there isn’t one nearby, it may be worth asking neighbours whether they’d be interested in setting one up.
5. Shop around and compare oil prices
Heating oil prices can vary by supplier, location and order size, so it’s worth comparing a few options before you buy.
OilPrices.ie lets you compare prices from different companies by location. You can sort local suppliers by price and visit their websites to get an exact quote.
Before ordering, compare the price per litre, delivery charges, payment fees and delivery times so you know the full cost.
What is HVO?
HVO stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. It’s a type of biofuel made from renewable sources like vegetable oils or animal fats and often derived from waste materials so it’s sustainable and renewable. It’s chemically processed to remove oxygen and impurities, which makes a fuel similar to diesel oil.
With simple modifications, many homes in Ireland can retain their liquid-fuelled boiler and use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
Here’s some of the benefits:
Disadvantages of using HVO for heating oil:
How long will 500 litres of oil last?
This will depend on your home’s size and how efficiently it traps heat, as indicated by its BER Rating, as well as how often you use the heating system.
But for a typical 3-bedroomed home burning an average of 18 litres of oil per day, you might need to refill a 1,000 litre tank every 60 days.
What about electricity costs?
If you haven’t switched your electricity provider in over a year, you’re probably on a standard tariff and paying more than you need to.
Here’s how to find and compare the cheapest energy deals to cut household bills.
Once you’re ready to switch providers, use our guide How to switch gas and electricity which takes you through the process, step by step.
Home heating oil FAQs
Can I switch heating oil supplier?
Yes, you can usually buy heating oil from any supplier that delivers to your area. You are not tied to one provider, so it’s worth checking prices each time you need to order.
What should I check before ordering heating oil?
Before you order, check your tank level, tank capacity, delivery access and whether the quoted price includes VAT, delivery and any payment fees.
What happens if I order too much oil?
If your tank cannot take the full amount, most suppliers will only fill it to a safe level and charge you for what was delivered. It’s still best to check your tank capacity before ordering.
Can I get heating oil delivered urgently?
Some suppliers offer urgent or next-day delivery, but it may cost more and availability can depend on your location. Ordering before your tank is nearly empty can help you avoid extra charges.
Can I pay for heating oil in instalments?
Some suppliers may offer instalment plans or budget payment options, but paying upfront is often cheaper. Check whether any fees, interest or conditions apply before choosing this option.
What should I do if I run out of heating oil?
Contact local suppliers to check urgent delivery options. Once your tank is refilled, your boiler may need to be reset or the fuel line may need to be bled before the heating works again.
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