How to get the cheapest home heating oil
Heating oil prices move fast, so checking rates before you buy pays off. Discover the latest heating oil prices, what to order and when, and how to slash your home heating costs.
How much is home heating oil?
The national average for 500 litres is around €599 in July 2026 and trending down, but prices can rise or fall quickly during periods of global unrest, high demand or supply pressure.
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 €1,783 to €330, with prices peaking in 2022. Prices can also vary by location, sometimes by up to €150, with rural households often facing higher delivery costs.
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.
During 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.
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
What about Carbon Tax?
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.
Heating oil basics: Types, tank sizes and lifespan
Domestic heating relies on three main types of fuel, each with distinct characteristics.
- Kerosene (28-Second Oil): An orange-dyed fuel used in the majority of oil-heated homes. Also known as Standard Kero or Jet A1 kero.
- Gas Oil (35-Second Oil): A heavier fuel primarily used for commercial and agricultural heating. It is dyed green (often called Green Diesel or Marked Gas Oil) so it isn’t confused with regular road diesel.
- Hydrotreated Vegetable (HVO): A modern, fossil-free alternative that can reduce net $CO_2$ emissions by up to 90%.
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.
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.
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
- The energy efficiency (BER) of your home
When is the best time to buy heating oil?
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.
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.
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:
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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