Heating oil prices are looking favourable – now's the time to fill up.

23/06/2026 01/07/2026

With heating oil prices currently sitting well below the highs seen over the past two years, now is an excellent time for UK homeowners to top up their tanks. Wholesale oil markets have softened thanks to improved global supply, easing concerns over recent geopolitical tensions, and healthy stock levels across Europe.

All this combined with a heatwave across much of the UK makes now a great time to buy.

While markets remain unpredictable, today's prices offer an attractive buying opportunity.

Waiting for prices to fall further may be a costly gamble. The heating oil market is influenced by factors outside anyone's control, including international conflict, currency movements and unexpected supply disruptions. As we've seen many times before, prices can rise sharply with very little warning.

Buying now also puts you in control. Filling your tank before demand increases later in the year means avoiding the seasonal price pressures that often arrive as temperatures fall and more households begin ordering fuel. You'll have peace of mind knowing your tank is full and your heating is covered well before winter.

Whether you need a full tank or just a top-up, taking advantage of today's lower prices could save money in the months ahead. If you're running below half a tank, now is the ideal time to order and lock in a competitive price before market conditions change.

A Smart Time for Farmers and Heating Clients to Buy Gas Oil.

16/06/2026 01/07/2026

For Britain’s agricultural sector and commercial heating operators, managing fuel costs is a year-round priority. Whether you are powering tractors through peak seasons or keeping commercial premises warm, timing your fuel procurement dictates your profit margins.

Recent legislative shifts have created a highly advantageous window for buyers. Here is why right now is the optimal time for farmers and heating clients to fill their tanks with CPS Fuels.

1. Lock In the 6.48ppl Temporary Duty Cut

The government’s temporary fuel duty reduction means the rebated rate for gas oil is currently sitting at 6.48 pence per litre (ppl). For high-volume users like farmers and large commercial heating plants, this lower rate offers immediate, measurable relief on overheads.

However, this tax break is temporary. The current reduced rate is scheduled to expire on 31 December 2026. Buying your fuel now ensures you bank these tax savings before the legislative default pushes rates back up.

2. Beat the Seasonal Price and Demand Spikes

Fuel markets are notoriously volatile, and prices traditionally climb as the weather turns.

For Farmers: Waiting until peak harvest or drilling seasons puts you at the mercy of sudden market spikes and delivery queues.

For Heating Clients: Demand for commercial heating fuel skyrockets ahead of autumn, driving up wholesale costs.

By filling your storage tanks ahead of the rush, you shield your budget from unpredictable market spikes and secure predictable operating costs.

3. Guarantee Your Supply Continuity

Running out of fuel is a risk your business cannot afford. A dry tank means stalled tractors during critical weather windows or freezing commercial premises that disrupt operations. Ordering your gas oil early ensures your machinery and heating systems remain fully operational, removing the stress of last-minute logistics when regional delivery networks face peak strain.

4. Your Trusted Partner for Agricultural and Heating Supply

Navigating fuel regulations can be complex, but agriculture and commercial heating remain fully permitted to use rebated gas oil. At CPS Fuels, we strictly adhere to HMRC guidelines, delivering premium-quality, reliable gas oil directly to your farm or commercial property. Our local delivery drivers understand the unique layout of rural farms and commercial sites, ensuring safe and hassle-free drop-offs.

Prices are close now to pre Iran conflict, Secure Your Quote Today.

Contact your local CPS Fuels Commercial team on 01953 713540f or a competitive quote.

Easter Opening Times

30/03/2026 01/07/2026

All the team at CPS Fuels would like to wish our valued customers a very happy and enjoyable Easter. We hope you have a relaxing break and thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Please note that our office and team availability will vary over the Easter period. While our physical operations will be limited on certain days, our website will remain fully accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing you to place orders or access information at your convenience.

Easter Opening Hours

• Good Friday (3rd April): Closed
• Saturday (4th April): 8:00am – 4:30pm
• Easter Sunday (5th April): Closed
• Bank Holiday Monday (6th April): Closed

We will resume normal working hours after the bank holiday period. If you have any urgent enquiries, we recommend using our website during this time.

Wishing you a wonderful Easter from everyone at CPS Fuels!

Government heating oil support package announced

18/03/2026 01/07/2026

£53 Million Boost for Households Hit by Soaring Heating Oil Costs

As energy prices continue to bite, the UK government has stepped in with a £53 million support package aimed at helping some of the country’s most vulnerable households stay warm.

Announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the funding is designed specifically for people who rely on heating oil—many of whom live in rural or off-grid communities and have been hit hardest by recent price surges.

Why this support matters

Unlike gas and electricity, heating oil isn’t covered by the energy price cap. That means households using it are exposed to sudden spikes in global energy markets—and recently, those spikes have been severe.

Prices have surged dramatically, driven in part by geopolitical tensions affecting global oil supply, leaving many families struggling to afford basic heating and hot water.

What’s being offered?

The government’s £53 million fund will provide targeted financial support to low-income households most affected by rising heating oil costs. The funding will be distributed across the UK as follows:

England: £27 million

Northern Ireland: £17 million

Scotland: £4.6 million

Wales: £3.8 million

This support is focused on those who are off the gas grid—households that often have no alternative but to rely on oil deliveries to heat their homes.

How the support will be delivered

In England, the money will be distributed through local councils via the new Crisis and Resilience Fund, launching on 1 April.

In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, funding will be passed to devolved governments, who will manage how it reaches those most in need.

Details on eligibility and how to apply are expected to be released soon, so households are encouraged to stay informed.

More than just financial help

Alongside the funding, the government is also looking to strengthen protections for heating oil customers. Plans include improving price transparency, ensuring fair treatment from suppliers, and exploring stronger regulation of the market.

What this means for households

For many families—especially in rural areas—this support could provide crucial relief during a period of unusually high energy costs.

But with prices still influenced by unpredictable global events, experts are urging households to plan ahead where possible, keep an eye on market changes, and stay updated on available support.

Staff Abuse will not be tolerated

16/03/2026 01/07/2026

We’d like to remind all customers that our team at CPS Fuels are here to help and provide the best service possible.

Recently, some members of staff have experienced threatening or abusive behaviour. This is not acceptable. Our staff work hard every day to support our customers, often in challenging conditions, and they deserve to be always treated with respect and courtesy.

We understand that issues concerning the Iran conflict have led to spiralling global pricing and uncertain over supply.  We do understand that this must be frustrating for our customers but threatening or abusive language towards our team will not be tolerated.

The challenges facing the kerosene market at the moment start in the Middle East and the impact is felt by us all.

We kindly ask all customers to treat our staff with the same respect they would expect themselves. Thank you to the many customers who continue to support our team and treat them with kindness and understanding.

We continue to work hard behind the scenes to ensure that we have heating oil available for our customers.

CPS Fuels

An update on fuel supply and the ongoing situation in the Middle East

16/03/2026 01/07/2026

At CPS Fuels we work on a just-in-time delivery basis, usually holding 1 to 2 days stock of fuel. However, due to higher demand in the weeks leading up to the actions in the Gulf we were in a negative stock position by 3 days. Therefore receiving 6 days’ worth of orders over the War Weekend put us in an extremely exposed position.

This position was made worse by a week-long refinery shutdown by one of our key suppliers, severe allocation restrictions by other refineries, the closure of forward purchasing opportunities and the diversion of home heating oil into the aviation market. This week has seen an improvement of supply, although it is still severely restricted.

Now that we have been able to purchase fuel to cover outstanding orders, we feel more comfortable. Therefore, far from profiteering from this situation, we will be honouring orders at a substantial loss.

We are a fourth generation family business that has worked hard to build a loyal customer base, and are grateful to you for your support in these difficult times.

We reiterate that we have never cancelled an order but were very worried that for the first week after the war started simply didn’t have fuel to cover the orders placed. Wholesale kerosene has more than doubled in price since the war began, and no one knows how long this will last.
Please, monitor your tank and don’t make a panic purchase.

If practical buy smaller amounts more regularly, and if in doubt call us, we are always here to support you.

This has been an extremely difficult fortnight, with our staff receiving a great deal of abuse, and we are truly grateful to them for their resilience, good humour and loyalty.

Rest assured, we are working tirelessly on your behalf.

We would like to wish all our customers and staff a very merry Christmas.

29/12/2021 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels would like to wish all our customers and staff a very merry Christmas.

Enjoy your time with your families, stay safe and warm and remember to leave a carrot out for Rudolph this evening!

Christmas Office Opening Hours

Christmas Eve 24th Dec – 8am to 1pm
Christmas Day 25th Dec – Closed
Boxing Day 26th Dec – Closed
27th Dec – Closed
28th Dec – Closed
29th Dec – 8am to 5:30pm
30th Dec – 8am to 5.30pm

New Year’s Eve 31st Dec – 8am to 2pm
New Year’s Day 1st Jan – Closed
2nd Jan – 8am to 5:30pm
3rd Jan – 8am to 4.30pm
4th Jan – 10am to 2.00pm

_{We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.}

Winter Ready Checklist

19/10/2023 01/07/2026

Helping UK homes prepare for winter this year, the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) alongside Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) have compiled a checklist of five ways people who use heating oil can get ready for the colder weather, stay warm and buy efficiently.

1: Boiler maintenance

Over time, boilers become less efficient and tanks can become damaged. By checking both regularly you can be confident that the heating oil you buy is not wasted. It’s recommended to have your oil heating system serviced annually by a local OFTEC engineer, find a registered technician near you.

Mister C says “An annual boiler service will help reduce fuel bills and saves money on costly call-out fees for unexpected breakdowns.”

2: Book Your Heating Oil Delivery Early

UKIFDA suggest ordering your heating oil early this winter to avoid spikes in demand and winter-related delays which can lead to the risk of running out.

Mister C says “Emergency deliveries can be costly and not always immediately possible, check your tank and order when you have ¼ left.”

3: UKIFDA’s Cold Weather Priority Scheme

If you are 75+ or live with someone who is, please sign up for the free Cold Weather Priority (CWP) scheme set up by UKIFDA.

UKIFDA Cold Weather Priority Scheme The CWP scheme helps to identify customers who are 75+ so UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) member heating oil suppliers know who may be at risk. The UKIFDA distributors can then take proactive steps to prioritise fuel deliveries to these customers, particularly during times of fuel shortages or extreme cold weather.

Mister C says “If you or someone in your household is aged 75 or over and are interested in opting in to the programme, contact us here .“

4: Struggling To Pay

We understand the importance of keeping our vulnerable customers, and those struggling to pay for their oil, up to date with the latest guidance and support. The Government’s Help With Your Energy Bills guide advises on this year’s Cold Weather and Winter payments.

We can also help with spreading the cost of your heating oil over the year, with our pay monthly plan.

5: Choose a UKIFDA-Accredited Distributor

Contact your local UKIFDA heating oil distributor to check the oil price and find out about their payment and service options.

UKIFDA recommends you contact the distributor you use most regularly to discuss the price options available at the time of your order.

Mister C says “A good way to minimise the impact of heating oil costs is to set up a pay monthly account, ask our friendly team about this next time you call or find out more here.” 

Have you checked your oil levels lately?

21/03/2025 01/07/2026

Here's a friendly reminder to check the levels of your heating oil tank.

Keeping an eye on your fuel levels helps ensure you stay comfortable, warm and avoid any interruptions. If you find that your tank is less than a third full, it’s a great time to place an order and ensure you're nicely topped-up.

If you need advice on checking your levels then we have produced this handy help sheet.

Changes to the Cold Weather Payment Scheme.

03/02/2025 01/07/2026

Introduction

As the chilly grip of winter tightens across the United Kingdom, the cold weather payment scheme provides vital financial support to those facing the harshest conditions. This government benefit, designed to help with fuel bills during prolonged periods of freezing temperatures, plays a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable households stay warm and safe.

Understanding Cold Weather Payments

The cold weather payment is a government benefit aimed at helping eligible individuals cover their heating costs during exceptionally cold spells. When the average temperature in a local area drops to zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days, or is forecasted to do so, the payment is triggered. Each qualifying week entitles eligible claimants to a payment of £25, which is automatically credited to their bank account.

How It Works

The scheme operates during the winter months, from 1 November to 31 March. The temperature is monitored by designated weather stations across the UK, and payments are made based on the readings from the weather station nearest to the claimant's postcode. This ensures that the support reaches those who truly need it, based on their local weather conditions.

Recent Changes to the Scheme

At the start of 2025, the UK government introduced some changes to the cold weather payment scheme to make it more efficient and accessible. These changes include:

• Improved Forecasting Methods: The government has invested in advanced weather forecasting technology to provide more accurate and timely predictions. This ensures that payments are triggered precisely when needed, reducing delays and ensuring that support reaches households promptly.
• Expanded Coverage: More weather stations have been added to the network, particularly in rural and remote areas. This expansion ensures that even the most isolated communities receive accurate temperature readings and timely payments.
• Streamlined Application Process: While the majority of cold weather payments are made automatically, the application process for those who need to apply has been simplified. This includes an online portal where claimants can check their eligibility and submit their application easily.

Eligibility Criteria

Cold weather payments are available to individuals who receive certain benefits or support. The eligibility criteria varies slightly across the different regions of the UK, however individuals may be eligible for cold weather payments if they receive any of the following benefits:

Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit (with additional criteria, such as having a child under 5 or a health condition or disability)

How to Claim

For most eligible individuals, cold weather payments are made automatically. If you receive one of the qualifying benefits, you do not need to apply separately. The payment will be credited directly to your bank account within 14 days of the trigger period.

However, if you believe you are eligible but have not received a payment, you can check your eligibility and apply through the government online portal, whilst you can enter your postcode here to find out how many payments should have been made for which qualifying weeks.

If you or someone you know may be eligible for cold weather payments, be sure to check your eligibility and submit a claim if necessary. Stay informed and take advantage of this crucial support to help manage heating costs and maintain a comfortable home environment throughout the winter season.

Additional Sources:

What are cold weather payments and who can get them? - BBC News

Did you know you can have a pay-monthly account with CPS Fuels?

17/01/2025 01/07/2026

We understand managing household expenses can be challenging. To make paying for heating oil easier, consider our Pay Monthly Account, which lets you build up credit gradually.

This helps spread the cost over time, much like other utility bills. Based on your purchasing history, we can suggest a monthly payment plan suited to your budget. Regular top-ups on your account ensure you won’t run out of heating oil, and if your balance doesn’t cover your order, you’ll simply pay the difference.

If you have any queries or wish to discuss setting up a Pay Monthly Account, the Accounts Team is on hand Monday to Friday, 8am until 5.30pm. or click here to read about our Pay Monthly Account and find an application pack. 

Introducing CPS Zero a FAME free fuel for Farmers and Industry.

27/04/2023 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels are delighted to introduce “CPS Zero” a totally fame free gas oil.

CPS Zero is the perfect solution to those who have been affected by filter blockages in vehicles, machinery and fuel storage tanks.

Traditional Gas Oil under the latest RTFO regulation requires an increased percentage of the fuel to come from renewables. As fuel suppliers must meet this obligation by law, many are blending a type of biofuel called FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) into red diesel to achieve the required higher renewable targets.

The impact of the inclusion of FAME has been well documented; reduced fuel stability in storage, more rapid fuel degradation, leading to gum formation, micro biological growth, filter blockages and potentially damage to machinery.

The main issues with fuel containing FAME to be aware of are:

• Material incompatibility (many common rubbers, plastics and surface coatings will degrade from contact with fuels containing FAME)
• Residual deposits causing clogged filters
• Water uptake - with enhanced potential for mould, bacteria and algae growth
• Fuel stability (may degrade over time by oxidation and hydrolysis)
• Cold flow waxing and precipitation problems 

CPS Zero contains no FAME whatsoever and as such eradicates the risk of fatty and biological deposits blocking your filters and causing un-necessary downtime. CPS Zero is the only fuel that delivers peace of mind for our farming and industrial customers.

To make the change to CPS Zero today call our Commercial Team on 01953 713540.

Heating Oil Prices Hit A 24 Month Low - Why wait to order?

12/09/2024 01/07/2026

Prices have dropped

We're excited to share with you that the price of kerosene (heating oil) has fallen over the past few weeks, and is now at a 2 year low. Naturally CPS's current heating oil prices reflect this.

So, if you're looking for a top up, now could be the perfect time to place your order. Our commitment to quality service and affordability makes us the trusted choice for heating oil in East Anglia and the South East.

Click here to place your order in under a minute.

Did you know that CPS Fuels offer Green Deliveries?

19/06/2023 01/07/2026

You may have noticed that when you order online there are a range of delivery options for you to choose from. There are a variety of time specific options – everything from emergency deliveries to our standard delivery, ensuring you get your fuel when you need it.

Our most recent addition is our 'Green' delivery option, which tends to be our most economical option. It means we'll deliver in no more than 12 working days, which should be perfect if you have re-ordered when you have ¼ of a tank or more left. 

But why’s it called 'Green'? That’s because with the slightly longer delivery time, we can schedule your delivery in the most economic way possible – ensuring that your delivery fits in with others nearby. This greatly reduces the amount of wasted delivery miles. The fewer miles our tankers have to do to unload their fuel has a huge impact on their carbon footprint. 

Why not pick the green delivery option today?

Red Sea attacks, risk oil prices rising.

28/12/2023 01/07/2026

Following recent attacks in the Red Sea, major shipping firms including BP will now be avoiding the Suez Canal.

The immediate impact of this is shipping will be diverted on a much longer route via the Cape of Good Hope. The cost of this, as well as the delay, could see prices of crude oil rise.

If this situation carries on for an extended period, we would anticipate any potential impact on oil supply to happen in January.

We want to reassure you: that there's still currently ample heating oil available should you need a top-up in the New Year.

Cold Weather Priority Initiative

16/11/2021 01/07/2026

At CPS Fuels, we pride ourselves on our service to the local communities we serve. This includes taking additional care of our customers who are vulnerable in extreme weather.

CPS Fuels is proud to announce that we are continuing our membership of UKIFDA's Cold Weather Priority Initiative. The project aims to protect customers who are over 75 and live in rural communities across the UK.

The elderly, are amongst the most vulnerable during the colder months and it’s important to protect those most vulnerable from the cold. As such, we’re hoping to tackle the problem with UKIFDA’s ground-breaking initiative scheme.

How Does the Cold Weather Priority Scheme Work?

The initiative operates by providing an extra layer of support for the elderly. UKIFDA protect older customers by enabling fuel suppliers to prioritise vulnerable customers during the winter months.

As a UKIFDA member, we will be employing various methods to identify customers who fall into the ‘CWP’ category.

These methods include:

• Paying close attention when speaking to customers regarding heating oil orders
• Keeping customers informed regarding the ‘CWP’ initiative
• Giving customers the ability to opt-in as a ‘CWP’ customer

All UKIFDA members work tirelessly to identify customers who may fall into the vulnerable category. It is also encouraged that’s customers alert the local fuel supplier of customers over 75 to help fight the problem.

CWP helps us identify our vulnerable customers

The CWP Initiative helps identify and protect the most vulnerable, especially during times of fuel shortages and extreme weather. The scheme ensures these customers stay warm in the winter months.

Therefore, by supporting the CWP initiative, CPS Fuels can easily identify those most in need and prioritise those deliveries.

The initiative is completely free to join. To be eligible to join you must be 75+ or be living with at least one person aged 75+.

If you or someone in your household is aged 75 or over and are interested in opting in to the programme, contact us here!

Sweep up your Autumn savings!

07/10/2019 01/07/2026

With the days and nights getting colder, Mister C would like to remind you that now’s the perfect time to check your tank and make savings by topping up before winter sets in.

Our mini guide on how to measure the heating oil in your tank will give you some of top tips.

Future Fuels Update…

27/10/2023 01/07/2026

There’s been a lot in the media recently about the governments changing approach to how they will reach net zero by 2025. As a heating oil user there has been some key points to take away from the most recent announcements.

The Prime Minister recently outlined his approach to achieving net zero in a landmark speech. The government must now follow through with its promise to put fairness and choice at the heart of its plans for off-grid homes, which includes the option of switching to a renewable liquid fuel.

Here’s what the Prime Minister said…

• Existing proposals to ban the installation of domestic oil boilers in off-grid homes will be moved from 2026 to 2035.
• There will be an exemption to the phasing out of fossil fuel boilers, including gas, in 2035 to ensure households who will most struggle to make the switch to heat pumps, or other low-carbon alternatives, won’t have to do so. This is expected to cover about a fifth of homes, including those off the gas grid.
• The UK’s target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 remains in place.

The government has since clarified that they will explore potential low carbon heating options for off-gas grid properties that are not suitable for heat pumps by issuing a consultation.

Off-grid households to be given choice…

We are pleased that the government has recognised its existing proposal to ban the installation of fossil fuel boilers from 2026, and forcing properties to switch to a heat pump, has unfairly targeted off-grid households. We welcome the fact that these changes recognise that many older properties are often unsuited to heat pumps without extensive additional work, such as new radiators, new piping, the introduction of a hot water tank, and additional insulation. As a result, many of these off-grid properties would have faced some of the highest costs with the poorest outcomes.

Government explores all the options on the table…

The demonstration project that CPS Fuels have been a part has seen 150 properties prove that a renewable liquid fuel called Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) provides a pragmatic and straight forward solution for oil heating homes. The fuel reduces emissions by 88% and boilers can be converted in just a few hours for around £500.

We are pleased with the support the project has received from rural MPs for this approach.

As a result, the government put forward an amendment to its Energy Bill which committed it to delivering a consultation on the use of renewable liquid fuels within 12 months of the Bill receiving Royal Ascent.

It’s vital the government now brings forward this consultation as quickly as possible and supports a fuel obligation to reduce the cost of HVO so it can be deployed more widely to the UK’s 1.7 million homes.

You can find out more about the demonstration project here https://futurereadyfuel.info/

Positive news for off-grid households

19/10/2023 01/07/2026

Last week the Prime Minister gave a speech in Downing Street regarding a reset of government policy around net zero.

Here we take a look at what this could mean for Heating Oil users.

He gave a number of examples of the types of policy in his opinion that are causing issues including banning boilers in homes that can never conceivably install a heat pump and a ban on off grid oil boilers in just 3 years’ time. Additionally, he commented that the cost for off grid in 3 short years was exorbitantly expensive and that he was concerned about imposing these costs and causing so much disruption without a proper debate, while ignoring the progress the country has made on carbon reduction compared to other countries.

At the heart of his announcement was the view that it cannot be right to ask the British people to sacrifice even more and that the real risk is losing the consent of people because they view the policies us unfair which ultimately leads to not achieving the emission goals as set out.

He announced a fairer and better approach to heating homes achieving a balance without imposing costs. As stated not doing so would cause public support to collapse.

He made the following comments:

Promise to never force anyone to rip out their boiler.

The oil boiler ban moves from 2026 to 2035.

Those homes that can never take a heat pump will have a lifetime exemption - estimated this will cover 20% of all homes.

Boiler upgrade scheme will be increased to £7,500 from £5,000 for those that want to move earlier.

Other comments and announcements.

The Prime Minister also moved the ban on petrol and diesel cars to 2035 from 2030, reduced the target for gas boiler replacement to 80% and removed imposition of energy efficiency measures on landlords.

Decarbonising off-grid homes - the latest

09/08/2023 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels has been part of the Future Ready Fuel campaign since its' inception. Today we are pleased to share the joint statement from Paul Rose, Chief Executive of OFTEC, and Ken Cronin, Chief Executive of UKIFDA, on decarbonising off-grid homes following George Eustice MP’s article in the Telegraph:

“Many of our off grid customers live in rural communities, with older properties who face real and serious challenges about how to decarbonise their home heating. They have told us they need to be given a choice of how they can do this in an affordable way which results in minimal disruption.

“This is the reason why our industry over the last 2 years has invested time, effort and money – without government subsidy – on developing a solution, using renewable liquid fuel as a replacement fuel for kerosene. We have successfully demonstrated this solution in 150 sites across the UK, including churches, schools, historic building buildings, pubs and residential homes.

“The conversion from oil to these renewable fuels can be done quickly, at a reasonable upfront cost and without disruption and it results in immediate reductions in carbon emissions. Our industry, members and customers are urging the Government to support George Eustice’s amendment to the Energy Bill, which will bring the cost of these fuels down for consumers, as they already have in transport, while costing the taxpayer nothing.”

You can support the Future Ready Fuel campaign by using this template letter to write to your MP about renewable liquid fuels. 

Only two weeks left to apply for the domestic Alternative Fuel Payment

16/05/2023 01/07/2026

The domestic heating oil customer service team here at CPS Fuels have received the latest update on the Alternative Fuel Payment scheme from our trade organisation UKIFDA.

Last chance to claim £200 Alternative Fuel Payment

The government’s domestic Alternative Fuel Payment scheme comes to an end on 31^st May. The £200 payment is open to anyone that uses kerosene heating oil as their main source of heating and has not yet received payment directly from local councils or through their electricity supplier.

The AFP application portal can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic and will be open until the end of May.

For applicants without online access living in Great Britain, the contact centre helpline number is 0808 1753943. For people living in Northern Ireland, the number to call is 0808 1753894.

The helpline is open from 8 am to 6 pm on Monday to Friday, and a representative will guide applicants through the process.

To apply through the portal, customers will need to have the following ready:

• Proof of address
• Bank account details
• Proof of heating oil purchases with a value of £200 or more and with a date between May 2022 and the end of the application window (31 May 2023).

After a number of checks, customers will receive payments through their local authority.

You can contact us here if you need a copy delivery note as proof of use.

Don't Believe the Brokers

28/04/2023 01/07/2026

If you’re looking to order heating oil online through a website such as BoilerJuice, Fueltool, Value Oils, or Oil Club, it’s worth knowing that these are websites NOT heating oil distributors. Many heating oil websites add on charges such as delivery fees, bad-weather premiums, out-of-hours fees, aborted delivery fees and other service charges.

Please be aware of these, as they do really add up. The largest of these middlemen regularly add an £11.99 service charge to your order - that’s nearly a 3p a litre on a minimum order, and they pocket over £750,000 per annum this way.

Why buy direct from CPS Fuels? 

CPS Fuels is not a virtual distributor or online only business, nor is it a comparison website, oil order aggregator, buying agent, farming group or oil club. We are a long established oil delivery business with offices and oil depots throughout East Anglia.

We have a well-earned reputation for offering an exceptional, friendly, and efficient fuel delivery service from our local depots, whether you choose to order your heating oil, or other fuels, through our new online ordering service, or by speaking to your local depot team.

If you’re looking to order heating oil online through a website such as BoilerJuice, Fueltool, HomeFuelsDirect, Value Oils, or Oil Club, it’s worth knowing that these are NOT heating oil distributors. They are companies, or agents, who advertise a service that they then outsource to real oil distributors such as CPS Fuels.

Before you order your heating oil it might be both cheaper and better to order direct with CPS Fuels rather than order online via a price comparison website such as BoilerJuice or Fueltool:

Brokers & Agents - a few points to consider:

• Commission

You will pay a premium in the cost of the fuel to cover the commission charged by the order taking website platform. The largest of these middlemen regularly add an £11.99 service charge to your order - that’s nearly a 3p a litre on a minimum order, and they pocket over £750,000 per annum this way; rather excessive given they have no oil, depots, tankers, or drivers, just rich shareholders. It is often cheaper to buy directly from your local distributor which you can do either over the phone, or online (when our offices are closed) with CPS Fuels.

• Middlemen

You should be aware that price comparison websites are not oil suppliers i.e. they do not actually buy or own any fuel for resale, nor do they have facilities to store petroleum products, and do not have drivers or delivery tankers to make a delivery to your property or business. If they use cartoon images of tankers and people on their website it is probably because they do not have any real tankers, delivery drivers, or depot staff to complete your order.

• Confidence

If you have a tricky heating oil delivery, or you are placing your order in times of high demand you may not receive your brokered delivery in good time or on occasions, at all. If you place your order direct; you are a CPS Fuels customer not a 3rd party one. At CPS Fuels we prioritise our own customers deliveries over 3^rd party ones to recognise and repay customer loyalty. Occasional one-off orders that come via oil comparison sites do not receive the same priority.

• Relationship

At CPS Fuels, we strive to build long lasting relationships with all of our local customers, from all our depots, throughout our delivery areas. We pride ourselves on being able to offer consistently competitive prices whilst delivering a premium quality product coupled with a friendly and professional service – now with the added benefit of being able to order your oil online when our offices are closed.

Government launches online portal for alternative fuel payments.

13/03/2023 01/07/2026

The government has launched the online alternative fuel payments portal for those heating oil customers who have not received their £200 payment directly through their electricity account.

The portal can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-alternative-fuel-bill-support-if-not-automatic and will be open until the end of May.

For those without online access, the contact centre helpline can be reached on 0808 1753943 for applicants in Great Britain where a representative will guide you through the application process. The helpline is open 8am to 6pm on Monday to Friday.

Customers should have ready proof of address, bank account details, and proof of heating oil purchases with a value of £200 or more and with a date between September 2022 and the end of the application window (31 May 2023). After a number of checks customers should get payments through their local authority.

Should you need a copy of your most recent delivery from CPS then please complete the customer enquiry form that can be found on our contact page.

Government £200 now being paid

06/02/2023 01/07/2026

The government has started making the one-off alternative fuel payment and has provided the following update for domestic and non-domestic users of heating oil:

Domestic Customers:

For our domestic customers the £200 payments will start today with most customers getting the payment automatically as a credit on their electricity bill within the next month.

The Government’s Alternative Fuel Payment is available to homes and businesses that don't use mains gas for heating. Those eligible have been identified by civil servants using the off the gas grid database, the database of domestic electricity meters and recent census information.

Those without a direct relationship with an electricity supplier, including those living in park homes or on houseboats will need to apply to the domestic AFP Alternative Fund via application portal on gov.uk which will open later in February. 

Commercial Customers

From Wednesday, payments of £150 will be made to businesses and both public and voluntary sector organisations that use alternative fuels to heat their buildings. Electricity suppliers will deliver this support up to 10 March, with most customers expected to receive it later this month. There is no need to contact your supplier.

How will the £200 alternative fuel payment will be paid by your electricity provider?

British Gas - British Gas will be providing the £200 alternative fuel payment by a reverse direct debit.

Octopus - Octopus will be providing the £200 alternative fuel payment by crediting your electricity account.

EDF -EDF will provide the alternative fuel payment in two ways:

1. If you are on a budget Direct Debit, you will receive the payment in your bank account.

2. If you are not on a budget Direct Debit, EDF will add £200 credit to your electricity account towards your next electricity bill.

OVO - OVO have a range of ways they will provide the alternative fuel payment.

If you pay your energy bill by Direct Debit, your alternative fuel payment will go straight into your bank account as a refund.

If you pay when you get your energy bill, OVO will provide the £200 as credit to your energy account.

If you use a Smart Pay As You Go meter to pay your energy bill, the £200 will be paid to your electricity smart meter as a credit.

If you have a traditional Pay As You Go meter, you will receive your alternative fuel payment by post with detailed instructions on how to process this payment. The two options to process payment are through mobile banking or a Pay Point.

Scottish Power - Scottish Power will be providing the alternative fuel payment into your bank account.

E-On - E-On will be providing the alternative fuel payment in three ways depending on the way you usually pay for your energy.

If you pay via Direct Debit or Pay On Receipt of Bill, the £200 paid into your energy account as credit.

If you pay using a Pre-payment, a cash voucher will be sent to you. You will then need to go to a Post Office to get the money paid into your bank account.

If are a Pay As You Go customer, the alternative fuel payment will be sent to your electricity meter.

Scam Warnings

The government has warned customers should take no action until the online portal launches later in February and that customers will not be asked for details by any individual or organisation prior to this or outside of the portal, and any such contact is likely to be a scam. 

For further information visit: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/households-businesses-and-organisations-off-the-gas-grid-to-receive-energy-bill-support-over-the-coming-weeks

Beast from the East II a real possibility

20/02/2023 01/07/2026

Predicting the UK weather never seems straight forward and that sums up the long range forecast for the next couple of weeks.

Met Office says there is an 80 per cent chance of a sudden stratospheric warming event taking place but no guarantee of what type of weather it will bring. Professor Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasting at the Met Office, said:

“There is now over 80 per cent chance of a major SSW occurring. “Although the impact will become clearer nearer the time, any effect on UK weather is most likely to occur in late February and March.”

We know that it was a SSW that resulted in the Beast from the East in 2018, which saw the country grind to a halt as schools and businesses closed due to the sheer volume of snow.

National and local newspapers are reporting on the chances of SSW bringing snow to the country and it seems its still too early to be sure of what the weather will bring.

WX Charts, which is part of MetDesk, is forecasting that a blanket of snow of up to 0.8cm could fall per hour during the morning of Wednesday, March 1.

Snow is also expected on Saturday, March 4, with London and the South East seeing the heaviest snowfall.

Whether a Beast from the East type snowstorm hits or not, it does look likely that we can be expecting a wintry start to March with temperatures dropping. As such we would highly recommend keeping an eye on your heating oil levels over the coming weeks and making sure you order early to avoid the risk of running out in a cold snap.

Cost-free tips to efficient heating oil use

14/12/2022 01/07/2026

With the well documented rising costs of energy, it is more important than ever to make sure we’re as efficient as possible with the energy we use. When it comes to your heating oil there are a number of things that you can do to make sure your heating and hot water are as efficient as possible.

Tips to maximise your heating oil energy use:

• Not all rooms are equal. Adjust the thermostats or the valves on your radiator(s) so that living areas are 20°C and bedrooms are 16°C. Keep internal doors closed. Do you really need to heat up hallways and landings?
• Turn bathroom fans off as quickly as possible to prevent heat loss, it’s amazing how quickly the can draw the heat out of a room. If they are on a timer, adjust the timer so that it is not running longer than it needs to be. This will save you electricity too.
• Dress in layers; layers keep your warmer than wearing just that one heavy garment.
• Wear thicker socks or slippers! If your feet aren't cold you'll be less likely to turn the heating on. Remember heat rises, so your feet will always feel colder even in a warm house.
• Make sure heat vents and radiators are free of obstructions. If they're covered with furniture, long curtains or drying clothes, the air cannot circulate, and then the warmth won't reach you.
• Open curtains and blinds during the day to let the sun in. Even on cold days it's surprising how much heat can come through from sunlight. Of course, you need to be quick to close them in the evening and when you have put the heating on to help to keep the heat in.

It may seem obvious, but the hotter you have your home, the more money you'll spend heating it. The Energy Savings Trust estimates your annual heating bill increases by about 10% for every degree you turn the thermostat up.

Turning the thermostat down will therefore save you money, and a typical home can reduce their carbon emissions by about 300kg a year for every degree the thermostat is turned down, according to the Energy Saving Trust.

Spend a bit now and save in the long run

• Make sure that all potential sources of draughts are well sealed off with weather stripping or other suitable draught excluders.
• Use a humidifier if the air in your house is really dry. Humid air feels warmer.
• Make sure that your oil boiler and the burner unit is burning the oil as efficiently as possible; Get it serviced annually by an OFTEC certified technician.
• If your burner is getting on in age, maybe you should consider a new more energy-efficient model. Riello burners are used widely in Worcester Bosch, Grant and Warmflow boilers and can be upgraded. Your boiler service engineer is the best person to ask.   
• If your flue doesn't have a flap (or some other mechanism) to close it when you don't have a fire, buy a chimney draught excluder.

Even if you only apply some of these tips, you'll make your tank of oil last longer. 

£200 Alternative Fuel Payment Update

25/01/2023 01/07/2026

This week the government has provided more information regarding the £200 alternative fuel payment being issued to all heating oil users. We now understand that these payments will start to be processed from February 6^th.

All our Heating Oil customers should be aware of the following:

• Customers have been identified using an off the gas grid database and recent census information.
• The majority of customers will receive their £200 automatically via their electricity supplier starting on February 6, in a similar fashion to other recent government payments (direct debit, credit to account or voucher).
• There will be some small exceptions – for example customers that don’t have an electricity account or those that use oil but live in a gas grid area. These customers will need to apply via an online portal which will be open in February alongside a post code checker.

We expect further information closer to February 6th and will continue to update customers as soon as we know more.

If in the meantime, you are getting low on heating oil we would suggest you order as usual to avoid the inconvenience of running out. As a general rule of thumb we recommend ordering when you are down to ¼ of a tank.

Households seeking more information on the Alternative Fuel Payment or on wider Help for Households support schemes should click here for further details.

Government confirms Alternative Fuel Payment Dates for Domestic Customers

20/12/2022 01/07/2026

The Government has announced this morning that the Alternative Fuel Payment of £200 will be made in February 2023. These payments will be made via electricity suppliers alongside the Electricity Bills Support Scheme Payments. It is likely to be early in the month as the majority of the electricity bill support payments are made early in the month. You do not need to do anything to receive this money.

For those customers without an electricity account and other exceptions, they will be able to apply through a governmental portal in February.

We welcome the extra clarity ahead of Christmas and our advice to customers remains the same which is to purchase their heating oil as usual ahead of cold weather. To get a quote for heating oil visit https://www.cpsfuels.co.uk/get-quote or call 01953 713950

The government’s announcements can be read here 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/vital-help-with-energy-bills-on-the-way-for-millions-more-homes-across-great-britain-and-northern-ireland

CPS Fuels delighted to support Dereham Meeting Point

12/12/2022 01/07/2026

This Christmas CPS Fuels is delighted to be supporting Dereham Meeting Point. This is a charity close to the hearts of a number of the team here at CPS, They have supported various family members over the years since it was first founded in 1986.

CPS Fuels are proud to have donated £500 towards a defibrillator that will be located outside the building, supporting those in the centre and the wider Dereham community.

CPS Marketing Manager Ben said “We are delighted to be able to help this project which could be a lifesaving facility not just for those who work and visit Dereham Meeting Point, but for the whole Dereham community. Being able to contribute to a project close to where many of our team work and live is a lovely feeling”.

Good News for Heating Oil Users: Alternative fuel payment now £200

25/11/2022 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels has welcomed the announcement in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement of an increase in the alternative fuel payment to £200 for all off the gas grid domestic homes than use fuels such as heating oil.

This fixed payment will rise from £100 as originally announced in October to £200 for domestic users, while non-domestic customers will receive £150 with an additional top-up offered for those that have high usage, based on actual usage.

The UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), our trade association, has been working with the government to help advise on the most effective and immediate way to administer the funds to heating oil users. This is because there are differences in the structure of the heating oil market compared with that for gas and electricity.

It has now been confirmed by government that the £200 payment is likely to be delivered through customers’ electricity bills rather than via fuel distributors, under a similar delivery model to the Energy Bills Support Scheme. While the logistic planning of the payment is still being completed, the UKIFDA recommends that customers continue to purchase heating oil as normal for the coming months.

Although timings for the payment distribution have not yet been announced, the government has said it will make the payment “as soon as possible this winter”.

Please be aware of scams, you do not need to apply in any way for this government support it will be credited to you via your electricity company.

5 Ways to help heating oil users get through Winter

11/11/2022 01/07/2026

Helping UK homes prepare for winter this year, the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA) has compiled a checklist of five ways people who use heating oil can get ready for the colder weather, stay warm and buy efficiently.

UKIFDA CEO Ken Cronin explains: “As the clocks change, signalling the start of winter, we are urging off-grid customers, who rely on heating oil to keep their homes warm and working, to ensure they’re as ready as possible for this winter. Here are some recommendations designed to be helpful reminders and useful advice to assist in the winter preparation.”

1. Get ready for winter with simple maintenance and efficiency checks

Over time, boilers become less efficient and tanks can become damaged. By checking both regularly you can be confident that the heating oil you buy is not wasted.

Mister C says “An annual boiler service will help reduce fuel bills and saves money on costly call-out fees for unexpected breakdowns.”

2. Order in plenty of time

Check the level of oil in your tank. Whilst the UK has seen three heatwaves this summer, don’t leave it too late to check and risk running out.

Mister C says “Emergency deliveries can be costly and not always immediately possible, check your tank and order when you have ¼ left.”

3. If you’re over 75, sign up for the FREE Cold Weather Priority scheme

If you are 75+ or live with someone who is, please sign up for the free Cold Weather Priority (CWP) scheme set up by UKIFDA.

Mister C says “If you or someone in your household is aged 75 or over and are interested in opting in to the programme, contact us here .“

4. If you are struggling to pay, check the government’s advice

For those heating oil users that may be vulnerable or are struggling to pay for their oil, there are a number of guides which are packed with useful information and provide helpful guidance on how to access support where needed.

Click below to find out more:

Help for Households

Other organisations that can help are:

Citizens Advice 

Fuel Bank Foundation

Age UK

National Energy Action

5. Contact your regular (and local) distributor

Contact your local UKIFDA heating oil distributor to check the oil price and find out about their payment and service options.

UKIFDA recommends you contact the distributor you use most regularly to discuss the price options available at the time of your order.

Mister C says “A good way to minimise the impact of heating oil costs is to set up a pay monthly account, ask our friendly team about this next time you call or find out more here.”

Update on £100 Government support for home heating oil users.

19/10/2022 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels are pleased to be able to share more details on the Governments Alternative Fuel Payments for households. This is in essence a one off £100 payment to UK households who are not on the mains gas grid.

How will you receive the £100 heating oil payment?

The government has confirmed that a £100 payment to home heating oil customers will be in the form of a credit to electricity bills in a similar fashion to The Energy Bills Support Scheme. At present we do not know the timescale for this intervention, but we will update you once we know more.

Please see Government quote regarding Alternative Fuel Payments, in full below:

The Energy Price Bill Document (11/10/22)

“This scheme is intended to deliver a one-off payment of £100 to UK households who are not on the mains gas grid and therefore use alternative fuels, such as heating oil, to heat their homes. Powers will enable the government to deliver support via electricity bills in both GB and NI, under a similar delivery model to the Energy Bills Support Scheme. The payment will ensure that a typical customer using heating oil does not face a higher rate of growth in their heating costs since last winter, in comparison to those using mains gas, who are supported by the Energy Price Guarantee. The government will set out the timing of this payment soon.”

UKIFDA, the trade body for the UK and Ireland liquid fuel distribution industry, released the following statement:

UKIFDA Statement 12/10/22

"Through multiple discussions with the government, it became clear that because of the highly competitive nature of the heating oil market with customers holding multiple accounts through different distributors and outlets, a quick method of payment through these accounts without duplication was not possible.

We will continue to offer assistance to the government in the design of the payment system through electricity companies. This will take time and customers should await further details from the government. We also note that eligible customers that do not have a relationship with an electricity supplier will be supported through an alternative route to make sure they do not miss out. Details of this alternative route will be confirmed by the government shortly.

As before we recommend that customers do not wait if they need heating oil. As we head into winter, many oil heating customers will know that the best and most economical approach is to talk to their local distributors on a regular basis and not leave purchases to the last minute."

We see this as good news for CPS Fuels customers as you will not have to do anything to receive the £100 payment, which will be paid directly to you via your existing electricity supplier.

When and if more details emerge, please be assured that we will be sure to update you.

Government support for home heating oil users.

28/09/2022 01/07/2026

As part of the recent Energy Price Guarantee, the government said last week that it would provide a one-off payment of £100 to help heating oil using households. This good news was shared by the BBC across the regions and in newspapers.

Along with the UK and Ireland Fuel Distributors Association (UKIFDA), our trade body, we welcome the news and the support for our heating oil customers at this challenging time. However, at this stage it is still not clear how the payment will be made or funded in practise, given the differences in the structure of the heating oil market compared with that for gas and electricity.

With UKIFDA, we are working to understand and confirm the most efficient way of administering the funds. UKIFDA met with government this week and are working through the details to find a solution. We will advise customers of the outcome – and confirm how to obtain the £100 support – as soon as is possible.

In the meantime, our advice to customers is as follows:

Please do not delay ordering if you need heating oil

Consistent with the advice of UKIFDA, we advise that customers do not wait or delay ordering should they need heating oil. Please continue to order in good time and ahead of peak periods where possible. Orders can be placed by phone or online.

Our Monthly Payment Scheme can help you manage your heating oil bills

To help you spread the cost of your annual fuel usage, we always recommend our popular Monthly Payment Scheme. By signing up, you will have 12 smaller monthly payments, which can be easier to manage than a single bill that may coincide with other annual outgoings.

For more information on our Monthly Payment Scheme please see here or call our team to discuss managing your home heating oil this winter.

It’s #FarmSafetyWeek

20/07/2022 01/07/2026

Managing and storing your fuel safely is important in all environments but none more so than in a farm setting and especially around harvest time.

With increased farm machinery movements and regular re-fuelling requirements it is important to ensure this is done in a safe manner. Having to travel between field and farm to fill up with fuel is a waste of valuable time. We can offer advice and guidance on a range of mobile tanks and bowsers specifically designed for the safe transportation of fuel, keeping moving through harvest.

Refuelling Safety

Refuelling is a task that feels so routine, it’s easy to forget about some of the dangers. Below are basic safety measures to take each time you're at the pump.

• Don’t multitask — refuelling is not the time to complete other chores or tasks.
• Stay close to the tank so you can act quickly if something goes awry.
• Avoid smoking and other open flames while refuelling.
• Don’t overfill the fuel tank — 95 percent full is a good rule of thumb for all vehicle and container types.
• Turn off the engine completely and, if there’s a chance the equipment could roll, chock the wheels.
• Clean up any spills immediately.

Storing fuel in an agricultural setting comes with its own regulations that are different from commercial or domestic regulations. This fact sheet by NFU covers the key points and should you need further advice on fuel storage tanks or fuel stations, we have a range of solutions available to all our CPS customers.

Tinder dry fields

The current heatwave that we are facing has made the risk of fire even more prevalent especially for combine harvesters.

Dust, hot moving parts, electrical wiring and a tank full of diesel provide all the ingredients for a major fire.

Combine fires saw a 35% increase last year, according to NFU Mutual. This puts lives at risk, can spread into crops and threaten surrounding buildings. In hot weather, combine fires could spread even more violently, causing enormous damage to crops and disrupting the farm when farmers can least afford to stop.

NFU Mutual tips to prevent a combine fire this harvest:

• Ensure planned preventative maintenance (PPM) is up to date and in accordance with the manufacturer’s service schedule before using any machinery, including areas where friction or sparks could be created
• Fit a suppression system that meets P-mark status to contain, extinguish and prevent fire
• Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers and check the machine over when you finish use for the day
• Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance
• Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings
• Have a plan in place in the event of fire including a system for keeping in contact with lone workers and anyone working or living on farm
• Keep mobile phones on you at all times – it’s no use to you if it’s left in a tractor or pickup cab
• Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that you will safely pass under wires
• Make sure there is a fire extinguisher on the combine – and that it is regularly maintained – and that you know where the nearest water source is
• In very dry conditions, keep a bowser filled with water on hand, and be prepared to create a fire break in the event of a crop fire
• Use the What3Words App so that emergency services can find your location easily
• Remind staff to keep well-hydrated, take sufficient rest breaks and monitor for fatigue, stress and mental ill health symptoms.

Commercial Team

Our local depots, knowledgeable delivery drivers and specialist commercial team all share a common goal: To keep your farm, the machines that work it and the men that make it happen, fuelled till the project's done. We've been supplying our agriculture customers, the farmers and landowners of East Anglia, with quality farm fuels for over 50 years.

If you require product information, options, assistance or prices, then please contact our Commercial Team on 01953 713540.

Supporting the Future Ready Fuels Campaign

17/05/2022 01/07/2026

Calls for the government to back a wider rollout of the renewable liquid fuel Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) continue to grow following the announcement that over 100 oil-heated properties across the UK have now converted to the fossil-free kerosene alternative.

The HVO demonstration which CPS Fuels is proud to be part of is being led by trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA, in partnership with fuel distributors and technicians, as part of the Future Ready Fuel campaign. The industry is self-funding the project and is investing over £800,000.

Learn more about HVO here:

You can read more about how we're supporting the Future Fuels campaign here, or you can register for regular updates on the new renewable fuel through the Future Ready Fuel campaign website.

Is Today’s Energy Shortage Worse Than The 1970s Oil Crisis?

08/04/2022 01/07/2026

In 1973, after the Yom Kippur war between Israel and a coalition of Arab countries, Middle Eastern oil producers declared an embargo on oil exports to the United States as punishment for its support of Israel. What followed was an energy crisis of epic proportions.  According to Daniel Yergin, the current energy crisis could be worse.

In the 1970s oil crisis, the price of oil soared fourfold over three months following the embargo. At the time, the United States had thought that the lost market share would hurt the producer states financially. But instead, those producers made up for that market share loss with considerably higher prices.

Consumers in the United States, however, suffered a severe blow in the form of fuel shortages and urgent energy conservation measures as the country’s consumption of oil had been growing incessantly for decades thanks to the cheap Middle Eastern oil.

Interestingly, although the embargo did not involve Europe, the continent suffered an even more severe blow because of the way prices rose following the Arab producers’ move. Fuel rationing was put in place and national speed limits were introduced to conserve fuel.

The latter measure, about speed limits, may sound familiar to those following the International Energy Agency’s recommendations for energy conservation: it is one of the ten steps the IEA listed as necessary to reduce the EU’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels.

The fact that today’s shortage involves all the fossil fuels rather than just oil is one of the reasons this crisis could be worse than the one in the 1970s, according to Yergin, who made his comments in an interview with Bloomberg this week.

“I think this is potentially worse,” the expert told Bloomberg. “It involves oil, natural gas, and coal, and it involves two countries that happen to be nuclear superpowers.”

Leaving aside the understandable unease that the latter part of the statement would spark in anyone in Europe or North America, the first one is telling. Europe depends on Russia for close to half of its coal and natural gas imports and about a quarter of its crude oil imports. And the EU just decided to ban Russian coal imports in an attempt to hurt the Russian economy as punishment for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Here’s what happened after the announcement of the ban, which has yet to be approved, by the way. Indonesia hiked its own coal prices by 42 percent, Australian coal miners reported they have limited ability to replace Russian coal, and Asian coal prices soared amid reports that European buyers were hunting for replacement coal.

What’s happening in coal is pretty much what will be happening in oil and gas. As Yergin noted in his interview with Bloomberg, the global natural gas market is already quite tight, and there is no ready replacement for Russian gas should it stop flowing. That’s despite efforts on the part of U.S. LNG producers to boost exports.

Another energy expert, David Blackmon, went a step further this week on the Energy Transition podcast, saying that the U.S. did not have the physical means to fulfill the promise President Biden made to the EU of supplying an additional 15 billion cubic meters of gas in the form of LNG. Blackmon noted the time it takes to boost gas production and expand liquefaction capacity as well as the limited LNG tanker fleet and already existing LNG export commitments to other buyers.

In this environment of tight fossil fuel supply and demand that seems to significantly exceed this supply, things are already critical without any oil or gas embargos, which a senior EU official mentioned might become “necessary” at some point. The cost of living is rising across the continent, and governments are struggling to rein it in. If the EU goes down the embargo road the results could be disastrous, as virtually every analyst has been warning for weeks.

By Irina Slav 7th April 2022 for Oilprice.com

CPS Fuels involvement in the Future Ready Fuel campaign

29/04/2022 01/07/2026

Our continued support....

Calls for the government to back a wider rollout of the renewable liquid fuel Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) continue to grow following the announcement that over 100 oil-heated properties across the UK have now converted to the fossil-free kerosene alternative.

The HVO for heating demonstration, which CPS Fuels is proud to be part of, is being led by trade associations OFTEC and UKIFDA, in partnership with fuel distributors and technicians, as part of the Future Ready Fuel campaign. The industry is self-funding the project and is investing over £800,000.

HVO is derived from used cooking oil and has been certified as sustainable by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). It immediately reduces emissions by 88% and works in existing oil heating systems following a simple £500 conversion.

The transition to the low carbon fuel can be completed as part of a normal service and both organisations say it is seen as a more attractive alternative to heat pumps, which can be expensive and disruptive to install in homes off the gas grid with poor insulation and low energy efficiency.

Here at CPS Fuels we have been actively involved with this exciting pilot programme and have been trialling HVO with a number of our customers. We are the only heating oil distributor in East Anglia doing so and are very proud to be forging a path to a greener future. 

We are very aware that many of our heating oil customers want to play their part in going green. However many are concerned about the high costs and efficiency of converting to heat pumps, especially in older detached properties with low levels of insulation. That’s why we’ve chosen to partner OFTEC and UKIFDA to demonstrate the benefits of HVO as a simple, alternative solution for homes, here in East Anglia and alongside others, further afield.

Working with our sister company, Anglia Heating Solutions, we have the only OFTEC registered heating technicians who have the hands on experience to assess, convert, comission and complete the changes needed to your existing heating oil fired equipment. This has been achieved for less than £500 in all the trial properties.

We’re very pleased with the progress we’ve made and the conversion process has been very straightforward. The HVO trial has stipluated regular visits and feedback to OFTEC. Our technicians are reporting very clean burners and our customers are very happy, even saying how they’ve forgotten they’re using a greener fuel as it works in exactly the same way as kerosene.

Using HVO we have been able to deliver a simple, fossil-free solution. Our customers have said they couldn’t be happier with the straightforward conversion process as it means they can continue to use their existing heating system in exactly the same way as before, but know they are making a real difference by significantly reducing their emissions. Focussing on replacing the fuel and not the appliance also removes all the hassle and considerable expense of switching to a completely different system.

Our experienced team is prepared and eager to deliver this fuel more widely across East Anglia and the South East; we will continue to work with our industry partners to secure support from government.

Paul Rose, CEO of OFTEC, and Ken Cronin, CEO of UKIFDA, added:

“The off-grid sector is one of the most difficult to decarbonise due its diverse housing stock. If we’re serious about our commitment to net-zero then consumers need a choice of technologies so they can adopt the right fuel for their home in a competitive market. There is no one size fits all solution."

“Our industry has worked together and taken the initiative to demonstrate how oil homes can successfully adopt HVO. We are ready and waiting to lead the charge for a wider rollout, but we need the policy support of government to make this happen.”

OFTEC and UKIFDA are providing regular updates on the new renewable fuel through the Future Ready Fuel campaign website.

The NFU Dissecting Red Diesel Rules changes

18/03/2022 01/07/2026

If you use red diesel, you should be aware of the changes made on the 1st April 2022. These changes reduce the number of industries allowed to use rebated fuel.

The line between doing the right and wrong thing with red diesel is blurry, to say the least. To help get to grips with the subject, our friends at Farmers Weekly asked their readers to post a series of questions to HMRC. 

Red diesel rule-breakers generally fit into two camps – those that think nothing of topping up the pickup with red for personal reasons and those that don’t even realise they’re doing it.

For the former, the finer points of the red diesel rulebook probably aren’t worth worrying about. But for those who intend to play by the rules, plenty of grey areas can get you in a fix.

As with most legislation, it’s rarely perfect when applied to real-world situations, so a degree of common sense is required when interpreting the answers – on both sides.

It must be made aware that this post looks at the Red Diesel changes from a farmer’s perspective only. So, the majority of the questions & answers will be to help the farmer’s weekly readers. For a commercial focussed view please visit our previous news post here.

After reading this, if you’re still in doubt, it’s probably worth checking with HMRC.

Questions on the Red Diesel Changes

Q. What vehicles can I run on red diesel?

A. Red diesel can only be used on the road by ‘exempted’ vehicles. To qualify these vehicles must be engaged in an agricultural, horticultural or forestry-related activity.

These vehicles include:

• Tractors – as well as agricultural, horticultural or forestry purposes, tractors can be used for cutting verges, hedges or trees bordering public roads. Since November 2013 gritting of roads, including travel to or from where gritting takes place, is also permitted.
• Light agricultural vehicles – this refers to any single-seater machine that weighs no more than 1000kgs. An ATV is the most common example.
• Materials handlers such as telehandlers and loading shovels.
• Agricultural engines – this refers to any self-propelled agricultural machine. Combines, forage harvesters, pea viners and sprayers all come under this category.
• Snow clearing vehicles and gritters.
• Mobile cranes and diggers when in use or travelling to and from the place of use, providing they do not carry any unnecessary load.

Q. Is there a limit on how far I can drive with an agricultural vehicle?

A. As long you a performing an agricultural task, you can travel as far as you like on red diesel.

Q. I am an agricultural contractor. Are there any restrictions on when I can use red diesel?

A. To be able to use red diesel the nature of the work must be agricultural, horticultural or forestry-related and the contractor must be acting in the same capacity as the farmer would. The vehicle must be registered as being in agricultural use.

Q. What are the penalties for using the wrong diesel?

A. HMRC has several ways of punishing you If you are detected. It starts by charging a restoration amount for removing all traces of red diesel.

This includes a fee for removing and storing the fuel. On top of this, there’s a fine to the value of lost tax revenue based on the size of the vehicle’s fuel tank.

The maximum fine for all of the above is capped at the value of the vehicle. In some cases, HMRC will go further and issue a fine for lost revenue (the difference between the red and white diesel duty rates) for the entire period of misuse. This could be the entire duration of ownership.

Q. What is the tax rate for red diesel compared with white diesel?

A. Currently, red diesel is taxed at 11.14p/litre, white diesel at 57.95p/litre. Whilst Ultra Low Sulphur diesel is priced at 57.95p/litre.

Q. Can I swap between red and white diesel by using two separate tanks?

A. No. Carrying two diesel tanks, which are both capable of connecting to the engine is illegal.

Q. What are the rules for storing red and white diesel on-farm?

A. Each product requires a separate storage tank and hose/gun outlet. Each tank should be marked, with the one containing red diesel showing a statement similar to “Not to be used as road fuel”.

Q. Can I use red diesel in my farm 4×4 if it is used only for agricultural purposes?

A. As long as it isn’t taxed and never goes on the road there is no problem fuelling a farm 4×4 with red diesel.

You can apply for a NIL licence from the DVLA if the vehicle is only going to travel short distances on the road between different blocks of farmland. This limits the vehicle to journeys of just 1.5km but means it can be run on red diesel.

Q. I sometimes drive a vintage tractor out on a road run, about 10 miles or so, with a group of like-minded friends. Can we run on red diesel?

A. No. As this is not agricultural activity. White must be used.

Q. A contractor travels to a farm to make silage, which he then hauls to the owner’s yard. Is this agricultural or is it classed as carrying goods for hire or reward?

A. If the contractor is cutting and collecting the silage as well as transporting it, it is an agricultural activity, which qualifies for red diesel use. Merely moving the silage after someone else has cut it constitutes haulage, for which white must be used.

Q. Is there a limit on how far I can travel as a non-agricultural contractor?

A. If you are registered and using white diesel there is no distance restriction.

Q. What are the requirements for vehicles registered for non-agricultural use?

A. Any vehicle carrying out non-agricultural operations must be taxed, run on white diesel, and may need to have a tachograph installed. The driver may require an HGV licence, trailers must be plated and tested by the DVSA and the owner must hold an operator’s licence.

Q. When would I need an Operator’s Licence?

A. An Operator’s Licence is required for carrying goods in vehicles used for hire or reward.

Q. Can I tow a digger on a low-loader to use on another farm?

A. No – this is classified as haulage. But if the tractor is to be used for agricultural work on the farm or is needed to tow another vehicle back from an agricultural activity it has been involved in, then it can be run on red diesel.

Q. Can I take scrap metal from my farm to the dump?

A. As long as it is a scrap of an agricultural nature, for example disposing of an old barn or milking parlour to clear the site for another agricultural purpose, then red diesel can be used.

Q. Can I use my low loader to transport farm machinery from one farm to another?

A. No. This is classified as non-agricultural haulage, and the vehicle must comply with non-agricultural regulations.

Q. Can I haul grain from my arable farm to my livestock enterprise; to the local mill; or my neighbour’s farm?

A. Yes, to the livestock enterprise and the mill. Haulage to your neighbour’s farm depends on the reason. If you have hired storage from your neighbour or are selling to them that is fine. But if you are moving in as a favour to your neighbour to who the crop belongs, you must not use red diesel.

Q. Can I supply red diesel to other farmers?

A. Anyone supplying or dealing in red diesel and paraffin must be approved by HM Revenue & Customs (formerly Customs & Excise).

However, this does not apply to those who obtain these oils for their use. For example, if a farmer buys red diesel or paraffin for his farming activities but occasionally hires or lends machinery to other farmers, with an operator, then they do not need to be approved.

However, if the loan/hire is so frequent as to constitute a machinery hire business, the farmer must be approved under the Registered Dealers in Controlled Oils Scheme. Buying groups that act as agents in the transaction do not need to be registered, providing they fulfil the conditions, but those taking ownership of the oil before selling it must be registered.

Q. If I have surplus soil or hardcore can I haul it to a neighbour for his use?

A. No. However, if you are moving the soil or hardcore from one part of your farm to another, that is allowed as an agricultural activity, your neighbour may collect the soil or hardcore from you to transport back to his farm for agricultural purposes using red diesel.

Q. What are the rules for storing red and white diesel on a farm?

A. Each product requires a separate storage tank and hose/gun outlet. Each tank should be marked, with the one containing red diesel showing a statement to the effect: “Not to be used as road fuel”.

Q. What licensing requirements are there for carrying sewage sludge for the water board?

A. Because the carriage of human waste is not an agricultural activity, white diesel is required. An Operator’s Licence is also needed, the trailer should be tested and the vehicle excise licence should be for the haulage rate. The driver should also have the correct class of driver’s licence – normally C+E.

Q. What is the situation on hauling rubble with a tractor and trailer?

A. If a farmer is collecting rubble or waste material to carry out agricultural work on his farm and has not been involved in producing the waste this is permitted. The removal of waste material from a building site that is not the result of an agricultural activity would count as waste disposal, therefore white must be used.

Q. Can I collect feed and fertiliser from my local merchant using a tractor running on red?

A. Yes, if it is feed and fertiliser to be used as part of an agricultural operation on your farm moved by your tractor.

Q. Can I haul hay and straw to horse owners using red?

A. A farmer transporting his produce with his tractor may use red. A contractor who is employed to harvest and then moves produce may use red, but a contractor employed merely to move someone else’s produce must use white.

The end use of the hay and straw is irrelevant. An Operator’s Licence would be required when delivering produce more than 15 miles from the farm.

Q. Does hedge cutting for agricultural, equine, domestic and local authority customers qualify for red diesel use?

A. You can use red diesel for cutting hedges and verges those border public roads. To merely cart away the cuttings as a result of someone else doing the hedge trimming would be classed as haulage, for which white diesel must be used.

Hedge cutting qualifies as horticultural activity and using your tractor for purposes relating to horticulture fuelled on red diesel is allowed. However, preparation and maintenance of recreational and sports facilities are not classed as horticulture and therefore red diesel is not allowed for these types of activities.

Q. Is there a limit on the distance I can travel with my grain to a mill? Does the same rule apply when delivering your straw to other farms or stables and your own-bagged potatoes to shops?

A. In terms of red diesel use there is no mileage limit for agricultural tractors if they are being used for bona fide agricultural, horticultural or forestry activity. But an operator’s license would be required when delivering produce more than 15 miles from the farm.

The movement of produce to market or for processing using red diesel is allowed where the product is incidental to an agricultural, horticultural or forestry operation performed on the land.

Q. Can a contractor removing slurry/sludge from a cheese company take it to spread on nearby farms using red diesel?

A. No. This is classed as waste disposal/haulage since the cheese company is paying the contractor for the waste to be removed from their premises – either in cash or in kind.

If the sole purpose of the operation is to enrich the land rather than to dispose of the waste it would be a permitted use. As a rule of thumb, a good guide is that fertiliser is an input paid for by the farmer to put on his land for agricultural benefit. Where the waste ends up is irrelevant.

Q. Can I deliver and collect livestock from the market using a tractor running on red?

A. If you are delivering your livestock you can run on red, although an Operator’s Licence is required when delivering produce more than 15 miles from the farm. When collecting your livestock there is no mileage limit. If hauling for somebody else this would be classed as haulage and white must be used.

Q. Can I deliver farmyard manure to private houses and gardens with a tractor running on red?

A. No this is not allowed, it is classed as haulage, unless you are delivering the manure for processing, to market or a place of associated temporary storage or a waste tip. The movement of the product must be incidental to the agricultural operation being performed on the land.

Q. I have arranged to go to the local quarry to pick up some stones to use on my farm. This will be for a building for which I have planning consent. The quarry is about 5 miles away.

Can this journey be made using a tractor and trailer running on red diesel? If I were to have to put in white diesel to make the journey, can I drain out the red that is already in the tractor?

A. If you are using the stone to repair a building that is used solely for agriculture or horticulture and will be carrying out the work yourself, this is permissible. Otherwise no. If using white diesel all the red must be drained off, the system flushed through with white diesel and the filters replaced to remove all traces of red contamination.

Q. What are the rules for towing combine headers and other machinery around between a farm’s fields or other farmers’ fields?

A. A farmer or contractor can use his tractor to tow equipment used in agriculture, forestry or horticulture provided the tractor is used on the land as part of the work being done.

A tractor can also tow a combine header between fields where the combine is working, providing the tractor is used in the harvesting process at some point.

Q. Can I take an agricultural sprayer, which is primarily used on the farm, to spray a sports field 40 miles away from the farm, running on red diesel? Can a second tractor take a bowser to fill the sprayer also on red?

A. Maintenance and preparation of sporting and recreational facilities are not classed as horticulture for red diesel use, the sprayer would have to be towed or low loaded to the field by a vehicle fuelled on white diesel. The bowser would also need to be fuelled on white.

Q. How far could I travel with a digger or telehandler on the road using red diesel and what rules apply for construction use?

A. A telehandler is only permitted to use red if classified at the DVLA as a “works truck” and it meets the criteria of a ‘works truck’.

A digging machine has no mileage restrictions on it and qualifies for red diesel use in its own right, though there are restrictions on what it may carry. Where a digging machine is reliant on another vehicle to transport it to and from the place where it is to be used the digging equipment may use red but the carrier or towing vehicle must be fuelled on white diesel.

An agricultural tractor misused for construction or other non-qualifying work invalidates any entitlement to use red diesel.

Q. We are considering buying an HGV tractor unit and bulk trailer to haul grain from the combine to the dryer. It may also be used for another haulage, but only our goods and from land occupied by us.

Can this vehicle be taxed as a works truck or similar and can it burn red diesel?

A. No. The “works trucks” category refers to a specifically designed vehicle and is taxed accordingly. These vehicles are only permitted to travel on public roads for a distance up to 1km of the premises where they are based.

A typical example would be a forklift truck or a dumper truck; an articulated heavy goods vehicle cannot be reclassified as a works truck.

Q: Can I run on red diesel when using a high-speed tractor (which is predominantly used as a conventional tractor) to haul my produce on a motorway?

A. To qualify for red diesel use the tractor has to be an agricultural tractor designed and constructed primarily for use off-road and used solely for purposes relating to agriculture, horticulture or forestry.

So, if this tractor fits this about description and is only using the road in connection with an agricultural, horticultural or forestry operation then the use of red diesel is allowed as far as HMRC is concerned. There is no set distance limit on how far a tractor can travel so long as it fulfils the criteria above.

However, an agricultural tractor is defined as one which cannot exceed 25mph. As this high-speed tractor will travel at speeds greater than 25mph it may not fit the classification of an agricultural tractor. You would need to take this further with DVLA to ensure the tractor is correctly registered.

Q. Can I use red diesel for gritting public roads and are the rules any different if gritting on private land?

A. If the gritting work does not involve gritting roads at all e.g. only private land, then use of the public road to and from is not permitted unless fuelled with duty-paid fuel, as there is no qualifying activity.

But, if they are gritting private areas as well as gritting the roads adjacent to them, the use of red diesel is permitted, including the journey to and from.

Looking for more general info on the red diesel changes? read our red diesel changes notes here.

For more on the red diesel changes, see the HMRC website or if you have any uncertainties or questions about this change, please contact the Red Diesel Entitlement Policy Team by email: reddieselentitlement@hmrc.gov.uk

Looking to order Red Diesel before the law changes on the 1st of April? Call our friendly commercial sales team who will answer any of your queries and find the best suitable delivery time for you.

Crude Oil, P66 and their Immingham Refinery on the Humber

08/03/2022 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels are a JET authorised distributor, with the considerable backing and support of American owned Phillips P66.

The fuels that CPS supply to you are refined at their Humber Refinery, located in Northern Lincolnshire. The crude oil it processes is supplied primarily from the North Sea and is refined into products such as gasoline, diesel and heating oil. CPS then collect direct from the refinery in North Lincolnshire or from their sea-fed storage facility in London and transport it to our depots across East Anglia and the South.

You can find out more about Phillips P66 and their network of approved JET distributors here. 

CPS Fuels is proud to be an approved JET distributor, giving our customers the benefit of JET’s brand and product security, delivered by friendly people with great local knowledge.

We are striving to operate 'business as usual'.

04/03/2022 01/07/2026

We would like to reassure all of our customers that we continue to operate 'business as usual'.

Amid fears of widespread supply disruptions caused by the outbreak of war between major oil producer Russia, and exporter Ukraine, and with the price of all fuels including heating oil increasing, we continue to maintain secure and quality supply from all of our major oil refineries and suppliers.

As a JET Approved Partner we enjoy the security of supply that only Phillips 66, an Oil Refining Major can provide and strive to continue to offer the most honest and competitive prices to the local customers we serve.

In the aftermath of the recent storms that have caused disruption to the majority of the country, along with the distressing news across our media streams, now will be a good time to check your tank and oil levels, to ensure you have enough fuel to see you through the Spring.

Please give your local depot a call or you can get a online quote here.

Where will oil prices go this year?

11/01/2022 01/07/2026

Looking back

Looking back, 2020 and 2021 were consistent in providing volatile price movements in crude oil markets, causing UK fuel prices to fluctuate aggressively and generally climb higher.

A 3yr Brent chart captures the unusually high volatility caused by fluctuations in the global economic outlook.

Our 2022 Oil Market Outlook:

The outlook for the oil market is intrinsically linked to global demand. The greatest risk to demand remains Covid-19 however many analysts expect the economic impact of the Omicron variant to be short lived and for global growth to exceed 4% in 2022. The initial market sell-off towards the end of 2021 pointed to market jitters from the new variant but with Brent beginning the year on an upward trajectory, having made gains over the festive period, these jitters appear largely abated for now. With the growing belief now that Covid is endemic, the thinking is that developed economies are better equipped to fight the virus which suggests the economic impact of potential future variants could be limited.

Looking back, the second half of 2021 was dominated by inflation, fuelled by the spike in energy prices – most crucially, Natural Gas. As this trend is expected to continue into 2022, we expect additional demand to come from producers shifting their inputs from gas to oil.

OPEC+ has been consistent and cautious with its production policy since the start of the pandemic and it appears that this approach looks set to continue into 2022. At the beginning of the year, the group chose to maintain its policy by increasing supply by 400,000 barrels per day. This appears to reflect the view that the Omicron variant will not have a major impact on global oil demand.

Given the continued unwinding of OPEC+ supply cuts, along with strong non-OPEC supply growth, the global oil market could return to surplus and could serve to keep the market trading back towards the 2021 highs. There however remains a question of how much spare capacity OPEC+ has to meet its supply targets. Recent data points to several smaller producers whose output is below their agreed levels, suggesting they do not have the capacity to increase output further. If output capacity is overestimated, this could contribute to upside risk for the market.

Covid related restrictions have had a severe effect on air travel and consequently jet fuel – a huge component of oil demand. Analysts argue that if we continue to see a recovery in air travel, particularly as restrictions worldwide continue to ease, higher jet fuel demand will feed into oil prices.

Undoubtedly Covid still poses an unknown to the markets and general optimism for 2022 rests on the crucial assumption that Covid will be kept at bay through the existing policy and vaccination roll-outs.

However whatever the future holds you can be sure that at CPS Fuels our aim remains very simple; to deliver the very best price and service we can, to the local customers we serve.

We're local, we're best, we're CPS

Red diesel rule changes & challenges explained for the construction industry

01/10/2021 01/07/2026

New duty rules mean big changes for some users!

As you may know from some of our previous posts, the UK government announced changes to the rules on rebated diesel usage and this has since been a source of confusion and concern across UK businesses and, in particular, the construction sector.

As of 1 April 2022, red diesel will no longer be available at a rebated rate for many commercial applications. This covers the majority of users in the construction industry. Government guidelines specify which uses of red diesel will still be permitted. However, there is some ambiguity around some applications and usage scenarios. As a result, users in construction must actively consider their eligibility in order to ensure compliance, while also working to maintain optimum costs. Below the CPS Fuels Commercial team have highlighted some of the key questions and challenges construction industry professionals may be facing.

Why can construction no longer access red diesel?

It is not solely the construction industry. But, many current users of red diesel will lose their eligibility to use rebated fuel. This is part of the government’s efforts to meet carbon reduction and air quality targets by focusing on three areas.

1. Beginning to tax most users at the standard rate for diesel is to reflect the impact of the emissions.

2. Secondly, it will promote energy efficiency.

3. Finally, it will help promote the use of cleaner fuel alternatives, such as our fossil fuel free alternative HVO.

Note: "Alternatives" are still subject to duty as the Government measure will also extend fuel duty to biodiesel, bioblends and fuel substitutes. This means that the duty change cannot be avoided by moving to an "alternative".  

What are the financial implications of the rule changes?

Red diesel (gas oil) attracts a rebate of 46.81 pence per litre (ppl), giving it an effective duty rate of 11.14ppl. Whilst, White diesel (DERV) on the other hand, has no rebate, which means a duty rate of 57.95 ppl. Therefore, making a straight switch from red to white diesel would incur an additional expense of 46.81 pence per litre used. This results in five times as much duty as before. This will have a significant impact on costs as well as cash flow for many businesses. This is why now is the time to consider fuel options and alternatives, as well as optimal fuel efficiency for plant and equipment.

At the same time, construction companies must also contend with a number of challenges including one-off costs in order to stay compliant. These may include the costs of removing or running down red diesel, purchasing additional tanks, vehicles or equipment, sourcing alternatives before the April deadline.

Furthermore, as both red and white diesel become yet more attractive targets for theft, the high number of vehicles and large stores of fuel at construction sites are coming under particular threat.

What do construction industry professionals need to know about?

The biggest change will be that heavy construction equipment of all kinds will be banned to use red diesel. In turn, this will make a large financial impact on the industry.

Red diesel will also no longer be permitted for commercial heating and power generations. These power generators are usually used to run construction sites. It is important to note that permissions apply not to types of equipment, but to their specific uses. So for example, equipment that can be used in both an agricultural setting and in a construction setting will still be able to use red diesel, but only when used for agricultural purposes. As such, contractors will not only need supplies of both red and white diesel but may also need two sets of plant/equipment unless completely flushing tanks and supply lines in between uses.

How can construction companies stay compliant with red diesel rule changes?

The construction industry needs to run down its existing stocks of red diesel in advance of the April deadline. It is not necessary to flush tanks to remove every trace, but it is important to be able to prove that red diesel has not been purchased after the April 2022 deadline, or soon before in order to stock up. HMRC auditors will require evidence of previous purchase and usage volumes to evidence no stockpiling. It has therefore never been more important to keep receipts and records in good order and make alternative plans ahead of time.

What are the potential consequences of using Red Diesel after the ban?

The government has indicated the likelihood of spot checks on-site, with significant monetary fines handed out for non-compliance.

What alternatives to red diesel should construction industry professionals consider?

The good news is that there is plenty of time for the construction industry to explore alternatives to red diesel. The commercial team at CPS Fuels are here to help the sector get ready for 1 April 2022 and beyond as all oil users take on the journey to net-zero carbon 2050. With net-zero in mind we are proud to offer to you to our brand new fossil free alternative fuel HVO.

What is fossil free HVO you ask?

Fossil free HVO (hydro-treated vegetable oil) is a renewable diesel replacement made to EN15940 standard. It is the lowest emission diesel replacement fuel available. HVO is made entirely from waste and is defined as renewable and sustainable (RED11), whilst being highly refined. It is a genuine green drop in alternative to diesel.

You can use HVO in any diesel engine without requiring any changes to the engine. Manufacturers have approved HVO and identified there is no degradation in performance. HVO burns more cleanly and more thoroughly helping you save in costs in fuel efficiency. This bio-degradable fuel is an ideal replacement for Red Diesel and is OEM approved.

Building a better environment with CPS Fuels

The commercial team at CPS Fuels are here to support the construction industry through its transition from red diesel, and beyond, no matter how much your business is affected by the changes.

If you require further product information, options, assistance or prices, then please contact us on 01953 713540.

CPS Fuels joins UKIFDA and OFTEC in the Future Ready Fuel Project

25/11/2021 01/07/2026

Today CPS Fuels have completed the conversion of 5 domestic properties from traditional kerosene oil heating to the renewable fuel, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), as part of the industry wide trial of liquid renewable fuel for off-grid home heating.

We are really excited to be part the second phase of the fossil fuel replacement demonstration project with UKIFDA, OFTEC and 16 fuel distributors as we collectively convert 200 homes and businesses across the UK from oil heating to the renewable fuel this winter. We are also really please that the recent publication of the government’s Heat and Buildings Strategy now recognises that renewable liquid fuels should have a role in the decarbonisation of off-grid homes.

The demonstration project will see properties immediately benefit from an 88% reduction in carbon emissions. The conversion requires minimal changes to the boiler and storage tank at a cost of around £500 and takes less than an hour to complete.

The fossil-free fuel, sourced from waste cooking oil, fats and greases has been certified as sustainable by the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).

The £800,000 initiative follows a trial last winter across 20 homes, from Cornwall to Scotland, which demonstrated there were no technical limitations to using HVO as a direct ‘drop-in’ replacement for kerosene.

This second phase will broaden the geographic spread and will also, for the first time, allow the industry to test the logistics of what could be a bigger transition to renewable liquid fuels over the coming years for the estimated 1.7 million properties using oil.

CPS Fuels is the only East Anglian distributor committed to this fossil fuel replacement demonstration project and we are working with OFTEC registered heating technicians from Anglia Heating Solutions. The team at Anglia Heating Solutions have carried out all the conversions and will be conducting regular checks on the appliances along with monitoring the performance of the fuel and feeding back the results to the project lead at OFTEC.

More widely the demonstration project includes participants from all sectors of the liquid fuel heating industry and is being led by trade associations UKIFDA, for the fuel distributors, and OFTEC, for the equipment manufacturer and training providers. CPS Fuels are collaborating with the industry and 15 other fuel distributors from outside the region. The fuel distributors taking part represent around 80% of the home heating oil market in the UK.

In a joint statement the CEO’s of the trade associations, Ken Cronin of UKIFDA and Paul Rose of OFTEC, said:

“We know from our research carried out over the last 12 months that oil heated homes want to decarbonise in a manner which causes the least disruption and offers the lowest cost of change. The drop-in fuel being used in our demonstrations, HVO, represents the most practical and cost-effective solution to both of these requirements.”

Decarbonising rural properties is a particular challenge as they tend to be older and poorly insulated which can make it difficult and expensive to retrofit alternative heating technologies such as heat pumps which are typically more suited to modern well-insulated buildings.

Ken Cronin and Paul Rose added: 

“The Heat and Buildings Strategy acknowledges the role of renewable liquid fuels off-grid and the challenges of installing heat pumps in older properties. That’s why we’re rapidly expanding our demonstration project to show the real world potential of a wider rollout of renewable liquid fuels.

“To succeed, off-grid decarbonisation will require a flexible approach to ensure households have a choice of low carbon heating technologies suited to the needs of their property. That’s why we are urging the government to extend the incentives for renewable liquid fuels, beyond aviation and road transport, to include off-grid home heating.”

OFTEC and UKIFDA are providing regular updates on the new fuel through the information website www.futurereadyfuel.info and we will continue to keep you updated in our news section.

Sustainable solution a step closer

24/11/2021 01/07/2026

COP26 delegates were kept warm with a revolutionary renewable fuel, which has been identified as a key alternative clean energy source in the battle against climate change. The fuel, known as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) is currently being trialled in 200 homes accross the UK, with CPS Fuels supplying the properties selected in East Anglia. We hope to be able to share some early results of this pioneering year-long trial soon.

This timely intervention comes just weeks after we asked some of our customers to take part in some research fill to help us understand the appetite for greener fuels. We were delighted that over 1,000 people took the time to participate and the findings from this research will help us as we continue to plan for a greener future.

57% of those questioned said that they would be interested in an environmentally friendly, biofuel heating oil alternative. The vast majority of those who participated said they would be particularly interested in a kerosene and biofuel blended solution.

It’s clear to us that demand is building for this type of product with three quarters of our poll asking to be kept up to date with new greener alternatives as they become available and over half stating they would be happy to be part of any trial.

We are excited to know that our efforts and focus on a greener future are supported by the customers we deliver to and the local communities we serve.

BoilerJuice, brokers or buy direct from CPS Fuels?

08/11/2017 01/07/2026

Why buy direct from CPS Fuels? 

CPS Fuels is not a virtual distributor or online only business, nor is it a comparison website, oil order aggregator, buying agent, farming group or oil club. We are a long established oil delivery business with offices and oil depots throughout East Anglia.

We have a well-earned reputation for offering an exceptional, friendly, and efficient fuel delivery service from our local depots, whether you choose to order your heating oil, or other fuels, through our new online ordering service, or by speaking to your local depot team.

If you’re looking to order heating oil online through a website such as BoilerJuice, Fueltool, HomeFuelsDirect, Value Oils, or Oil Club, it’s worth knowing that these are NOT heating oil distributors. They are companies, or agents, who advertise a service that they then outsource to real oil distributors such as CPS Fuels.

Before you order your heating oil it might be both cheaper and better to order direct with CPS Fuels rather than order online via a price comparison website such as BoilerJuice or Fueltool:

Brokers v Agents - a few points to consider:

• Commission

You will pay a premium in the cost of the fuel to cover the commission charged by the order taking website platform. The largest brokers, such as Boilerjuice, are also adding platform and service charges of at least £3.49 per order hidden in the order process; all for passing your order to a real distributor. So it is often cheaper to buy directly from your local distributor which you can do either over the phone, or online (when our offices are closed) with CPS Fuels. In April 2022 BoilerJuice increased this service charge by 275% to £9.98 meaning that we estimate they are now making over £3 million per year in service fees alone. Rather excessive given they have no oil, depots, tankers, or drivers, just rich shareholders.

• Middlemen

You should be aware that price comparison websites are not oil suppliers i.e. they do not actually buy or own any fuel for resale, nor do they have facilities to store petroleum products, and do not have drivers or delivery tankers to make a delivery to your property or business. If they use cartoon images of tankers and people on their website it is probably because they do not have any real tankers, delivery drivers, or depot staff to complete your order.

• Confidence

If you have a tricky heating oil delivery, or you are placing your order in times of high demand you may not receive your brokered delivery in good time or on occasions, at all. If you place your order direct; you are a CPS Fuels customer not a 3rd party one. At CPS Fuels we prioritise our own customers deliveries over 3^rd party ones to recognise and repay customer loyalty. Occasional one-off orders that come via oil comparison sites do not receive the same priority.

• Relationship

At CPS Fuels, we strive to build long lasting relationships with all of our local customers, from all our depots, throughout our delivery areas. We pride ourselves on being able to offer consistently competitive prices whilst delivering a premium quality product coupled with a friendly and professional service – now with the added benefit of being able to order your oil online when our offices are closed.

Cut out the middleman. Say NO to service charges  -

deal direct and order your Heating Oil with confidence from CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Fuel & Machinery: Top 5 tips for keeping your farm moving

20/09/2017 01/07/2026

When it comes to the busy harvest season you need to be confident that your machinery is in tip top condition and won’t let you down.

Here are 5 top tips from FG Insight for avoiding unplanned maintenance to keep your farm moving: 

1. Store fuel safely

Ensuring health and safety on site is essential on a busy farm and spillages of fuel from poorly maintained tanks pose a big environmental risk.

Tanks can be an expensive piece of kit and occasionally require ongoing maintenance to ensure that they are compliant with regulations.

Without regular maintenance of the tank and the area surrounding it, farmers run the risk of costly spills and leaks.

If a tank is deemed to be unsafe for refueling, most delivery drivers will refuse to fill it up, which can impact productivity.

2. Monitor your fuel levels

Having the right fuel and a reliable supply of it is essential for the smooth running of your farm.

When you’re gearing up for a big day on the farm the last thing you need is to be worrying about whether you have enough fuel left in the tank.

Telemetry systems monitor fuel usage and alert you when a refill is required so there’s no downtime while you wait for a delivery of fuel.

3. Oil up

Changing your engine oil regularly is the easiest thing you can to do prevent the need for repairs and keep your machinery running smoothly.

Oil helps to keep the engine running smoothly but it also helps prevent the build-up of dirt and debris which occurs when working in muddy fields.

Lubricating your engine properly also helps to reduce wear and tear which minimises the risks of accidents, extends equipment life and cuts spend on new parts.

It’s not just your tractor engines that need regular lubrication, milking machines also require specialist oils and greases to keep them working efficiently.

Farm equipment also needs to be protected when it’s not in use for extended periods of time as if it is left unprotected during the cold, wet, winter months, metal surfaces can become corroded and the resulting rust can affect the functionality of equipment.

4. Treat your engine

Being on the move across rugged fields and winding country roads for hours each day can take its toll on your tractor’s engine so it pays to treat it well.

Adding fuel additives such as AdBlue as well as transmission fluids to your engine can help enhance performance to give you confidence that you’re getting the best from your machinery.

5. Save money on your heating oil

After a wet harvest season, crops need to be dried before storage so you need to make sure you have enough heating oil to power grain dryers and heaters in the run up to winter.

To order Gas Oil and farm fuels in Bulk or Barrels click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

CPS Fuels, as a JET authorised distributor, supply marked EN590 grade diesel as Gas Oil so you have the highest quality Gas Oil available irrespective of use. CPS Fuels Gas Oil meets the same BS EN590 specifications as white road diesel and is therefore suitable for use in all farm machinery without the need for fuel treatments or additives. The fuel properties of Gas Oil are adjusted seasonally to maintain good low temperature performance and operability. 

For our CPS Gas Oil information sheet click here. 

Phillips P66: Gas Oil safety data sheet & Gas Oil marketing specification sheet

Source: FGinsight

Five Ways to Take Care of Your Heating Oil Tank This Summer

26/08/2021 01/07/2026

If you have a heating oil tank, its most active time is no doubt during the winter months. So, during the summer, it can be easy to forget about your oil fuelled heating system and simply let it sit and wait for next winter. However, it pays to take the time to keep an eye on your tank during the summer months. By carrying out these five simple steps, you can ensure that your tank remains in good condition, even when you’re not using it:

Fill up your tank

First and foremost, it’s essential that your tank is filled with oil when it’s not in use. If you leave it partly full in hot weather, the pocket of air left will form condensation which can damage the internal casing of your tank. The condensed water will oxidise and then rust the casing.

Another issue with a partially empty tank is that bacteria will form on the top of the water and when this bacteria dies, it falls to the bottom of the tank. This creates a buildup of sludgy sediment, eventually leading to a system breakdown.

Stock up on summer priced heating oil

As you probably already know, heating oil prices fluctuate throughout the year. The exact costs are of course tricky to predict, but as a rule, heating oil is generally cheaper during the summer because demand is much lower. By purchasing heating oil in advance, you can not only make sure you’ve got the correct amount at an affordable price, but you’ll also be well prepared to switch your heating back on if there’s a sudden cold snap.

Secure your tank

Heating oil tanks and the fuel oil itself are expensive and, unfortunately, they are vulnerable to fuel theft. Therefore, it’s a good idea to secure and protect your tank using a variety of security solutions, for example, tank locks, security alarms and lights. If you have a large domestic tank, you could also consider installing a CCTV system.

Regularly inspect your tank

It’s good practice to ensure your heating oil tank is in good condition throughout the entire year, and whilst it’s not in use during the summer, this offers up the perfect opportunity to give it the once over. In fact, you should carry out an inspection every few weeks throughout the summer. You should visually inspect the whole tank for any visible damage and keep your eyes open for leaks and spills. Also, make sure the pipe fittings are secure and not leaking oil.

Get your tank serviced

As you won’t be using your heating oil tank during the summer, this is a good time to call your local heating oil expert to carry out a scheduled maintenance check. Firstly, they’re more likely to be available at a time that suits you, as there is less demand for engineers during the warmer months. Secondly, it will ensure that your home heating system is in tip-top condition for the winter.

To top up your tank with low cost heating oil click or call CPS Fuels now on  01953 713950.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

Mister C has more answers to frequently asked questions here and helpful mini guides, such as how to replace the battery in your watchman or how to care for your heating oil tank, in our blog and news section.

The future's bright, clean and green.

24/05/2021 01/07/2026

Its not the first time that we've had to deal with fake news but this time we can share what UKIFDA, Oftec and some of the UK's largest liquid fuel suppliers are doing to ensure that home heating oil has a future and is ready for our cleaner and greener world.

Of the approximately four million homes off the gas grid in the UK, c1.5m currently use oil heating while a further 200,000 use LPG. The government has stated that it intends to phase out the installation of these, and other high carbon fossil fuel heating systems during the 2020s. With this proposal in mind, UKIFDA, Oftec and fuel suppliers have been looking at including a low carbon liquid heating solution for homes currently burning Kerosene to provide space and water heating. 

The production, testing and offer of a sustainable fuel for use as a total replacement, or as part of a blend, would enable the progressive transition of oil users to a cleaner and greener fuel with lower carbon emissions and impact on the environment.

The fuel would be made from fossil free sustainable materials and could be introduced into existing tanks and boilers with very little modification to the systems, incovenience, or cost.

To keep you informed OFTEC and UKIFDA have launched the Future Ready Fuels project which explains the pathway to greener heating in a cleaner world.

Are Fuel Additives Worth the Money?

18/05/2021 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels is proud to be the largest Phillips 66 JET approved partner in East Anglia and the South East, giving our customers the benefit of JET brand and product security, delivered by friendly people with great local knowledge. Even though we supply first class fuels from Phillips 66 which have been refined to strict quality standards (BS2869) we are sometimes asked if the performance of the products we deliver could be enhanced with additives.

You can get fuel additives for your car, your lorry, your boiler, your tank, and even your cooker. With so many fuel additives available for different applications its’ difficult to know which one you should buy, or if you should buy any at all.

Despite the many different types of fuel additives, the main reason for using fuel additives is the same across the board; to increase efficiency or performance so that you can reduce the impact of using fuel and save money on fuel bills.

Fuel additives are an investment and like any other investment, you want to see a return on the money you’ve spent. Ultimately, you want to make sure that using fuel additives is saving you some cash in the long run through increased efficiencies or performance from the device consuming the fuel.

Let’s look at some of the common problems in heating systems, engines, and tanks, and what type of additive can help solve these issues.

These include the following:

1. Carbon Build-Up with Heating Oil.

Carbon and other contaminants in your tank can flow through your system and clog the feedpipes, filter and injector. This means the system is unclean, making it slower and less efficient. To keep your system clean and reduce build-up, Topanol (for Agas) or Exocet Premium heating oil additive (for pressure jet burners) could be good choices, as they enhance the stability of your heating oil, improve lubricity, increase shelf-life, maximise burner efficiency and lessen overall system maintenance costs. A system operating at maximum efficiency will lower overall carbon emissions and so reduce your carbon footprint.

2. Water in Fuel Storage Tanks especially Gas Oil/Diesel.

Water can seep into the tank and lead to bacterial growth, rusting, and problems with the filtering system. Un-checked this can quickly result in contamination. To keep water and fuel separate, a demulsifier like Exocet Anti-Bug Protect will help to prevent bacteria growth by stopping fuel and water mixing. This will prevent infestation before it occurs and save you money in the long run, but if you already have contaminated fuel and are looking to kill the infestation, check out Exocet Anti-Bug Kill instead. Order Exocet Gas Oil Supreme additive as a robust all-rounder to protect Gas Oil from water contamination, improve lubricity, and enhance system performance.

3. Freezing in Gas Oil and DERV.

When temperatures drop, fuel can freeze and stop flowing easily through the system. This is also known as ‘gelling’. Exocet Anti-Wax Diesel Additive is a popular choice to prevent freezing and waxing of Gas Oil and DERV. This product enhances cold weather properties down to -22 degrees celsius, stopping freezing completely. It is used to ensure continued operation of emergency vehicles and power generators in winter, saving the customer costly downtime.

4. Sludge formation, filtration and impact on fuel supply.

When bacteria begin to multiply in the tank, sludge forms at the bottom. When your oil level is low, the sludge is forced through your system, clogs the filter and can induce fuel starvation. To prevent bacteria, use Exocet Anti-Bug Protect and Exocet Anti-Bug Kill to eliminate sludge that is already present. This will increase the shelf-life of fuel and improve system efficiency.

In boilers and in other applications, additives often act as a preventative measure, which avoids potential replacement, additional maintenance, and downtime costs and are a long-term saving strategy for fuel users, but it must always be remembered that they should not be used to replace proper servicing nor repair neglected systems or equipment.

Overall, general or targeted use, additives will not save you a huge amount of money initially, but they will save you on maintenance costs, increase shelf-life, and prevent your oil from degrading, keeping it fresh. When applied to running tanks they can ensure performance and reliability is maintained or if used in oil burning domestic space and water heating appliances, they can ensure optimum efficiency is maintained and carbon emission reduced.

Changes to red diesel taxation

27/05/2021 01/07/2026

In the March 2021 budget, the Government confirmed forthcoming changes to red diesel taxation, with plans to withdraw tax relief for red diesel for a number of sectors and user groups. Here is a short overview of the upcoming duty changes and the potential implications for your business.

What is red diesel?

Otherwise known as gas oil, off-road diesel or ‘tractor diesel’, red diesel is a fuel intended for use other than as fuel in road vehicles, and is therefore taxed at a lower rate.

Due to its rebated duty rate, there are strict legal requirements about when and how it can be used, which is why it is dyed red to help identify illegal use.

Red diesel is typically used for off-road transport, for power generation and for selected commercial heating or burning uses.

What's changing?

From 1st April 2022 onwards, distributors such as CPS Fuels will only be able to supply red diesel for selected applications, including:

• For agriculture, forestry, horticulture and fish farming. This includes agricultural vehicles used for cutting verges and hedges, snow and flooding clearance and gritting roads.
• As fuel to propel passenger, freight or maintenance vehicles designed to run on rail tracks.
• For non-commercial heating. This includes the heating of homes and buildings used for other non-commercial purposes, such as places of worship and townhalls, and heating (and other non-propulsion uses) on permanently-moored houseboats.
• The commercial boat operating industry, including but not limited to the fishing and inland water freight industries and passenger ferries.
• The travelling fairground and circus industries when diesel is used for powering their machinery (including their caravans).
• Non-commercial power generation (for example hospitals).
• Registered community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) as well as all golf courses. This includes activities such as ground maintenance and the heating and lighting of the clubhouse and changing rooms. 

You can see the full list of qualifying applications within the HMRC document here.

What does this duty change mean for your business?

The exact implications for your business will depend on your industry and which application you’re using red diesel for. If your application is included in the above list of qualifying uses, there will be no change at all. You can continue to order, receive and use red diesel after the changes come in.

Sectors and applications that don’t fall into the above categories – which includes our construction, manufacturing and processing customers, as well as a number of transport and logistics uses – will no longer be able purchase or use red diesel from 1st April 2022.

For these organisations, the change means significant cost increases. Marked gas oil currently attracts a fuel duty rate of 11.14 pence per litre. When businesses are no longer entitled to buy and use red diesel, they will need to switch to regular white diesel (ULSD), which attracts a duty rate of 57.95 pence per litre. For a firm who used just 10,000 litres of red diesel per year, the annual cost will increase by more than £4600 due to the duty change alone.

How long do you get to make the change?

Current Government advice is that users of vehicles and machinery losing their red diesel entitlement must ensure they run down their existing stocks before 1st April 2022. There will be no grace period to use up ‘old stocks’ after this point meaning that firms must handle the logistical challanges of the change earlier rather than later.

The government has also suggested that when a business switches from storing red to white diesel, it will need to flush out the tank and supply lines until no trace of marked rebated fuel remains by 1st April 2022. Through our trade organisation UKIFDA, we are pushing for further detail from the government, and working to understand the specific instruction, guidance and responsibilities of distributors and customers in managing this switchover process.

Is now the time to switch to BurnBright?

If you are currently using red diesel for heating applications – in boilers or burners – we recommend switching to a drop in industrial heating oil alternative, such as BurnBright, as soon as possible. A cost-effective alternative to red diesel, BurnBright is designed solely for use in heating and drying applications such as boilers, burners and heaters. As it does not attract the same duty rate as red diesel, it is exempt from these duty changes. BurnBright is made for CPS Fuels by a leading UK bespoke refiner to perform like Gas Oil and keep your equipment running economically and efficiently. 

How much does BurnBright cost?

Switching to BurnBright could help you save money as well as preventing the cost increases associated with the red diesel entitlement changes and we'd be pleased to quote you today.

We also have other alternative heating oils that may suit your business better, along with storage and performance additives and lubricants that will help protect your machinery and keep your operations running smoothly.

When do you need to start planning?

With these changes less than a year away; our team would be pleased to talk you through and explore your options. Please call Commercial 01953 713540 today to discuss your requirements or find out more.

CPS fuels really hopes it will be business as usual again soon

12/05/2021 01/07/2026

As the lockdown starts to ease and the number of new cases continues to fall, we have decided to revert back to our blue traditional corporate logo. Last year during the first lockdown we decided to embrace the rainbow colours that were used nationally to show love and support to our key workers.

We felt that this was a small but highly visible gesture and helped convey how everyone at CPS is truly grateful for the tireless work in extremely difficult circumstances that the countries key workers performed.

Now as we look forward the Pandemic landscape in the UK appears to be far more under control and with the continued lifting of restrictions CPS fuels really hopes it will be business as usual again soon.

Throughout the pandemic CPS fuels have prioritised key workers and vulnerable people ensuring they have to fuels to heat their homes. From the day-to-day delivery of fuel not a lot will seemingly change, however it’s the little social interactions that we know our drivers and customers have sorely missed.

It just leaves Mister C to say one last big thank you to all the keyworkers in recognition of all the fantastic work by all NHS staff, carers and other key workers within our community.

Heating Oil is the cheapest home heating fuel in the UK !

07/05/2021 01/07/2026

Its official - there has never been a better time to be on oil. Independent figures from Sutherland Tables and shared by UKIFDA now show that Heating Oil is the cheapest of all home heating and energy sources.

According to their tweet

"If you use #oil in a condensing #boiler to #heat your #home ~ your #heating costs are down by between 28% & 39% when compared to last January"

Oil heating for the average 3 bed house in the UK now costs only £747 according to Sutherland Tables, the recognised independent source of data on comparative domestic heating prices in the UK. This makes oil £54 cheaper than mains gas, the second cheapest option with an annual average heating bill of £801.

When oil is compared with the other main heating methods used by rural homes, called off grid because they are not connected to the gas pipeline network, the savings are even greater. Oil is more than 1/2 the price LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) and 1/3 of the cost of night storage heaters.

How does this compare?

With the cost of heating an average 3 bed home in Great Britain with an oil condensing boiler being only £747 it now means oil fired central heating systems are:

• 7% cheaper than mains gas.
• 1/3 cost of electric night storage heaters. 
• Half the price of wood pellet systems.
• Over £1000 cheaper than Air Source Heat Pumps.
• Making oil substantially cheaper to run than any traditional or renewable heating option.

The fact that Heating Oil still offers reliable, efficient and most importantly cost effective domestic heating is great news for the UK’s 1.5 million oil using households.

With prices forecast to remain low for the foreseeable future, they suggest that households currently using LPG or electricity should consider a switch to oil as, even allowing for the cost of a new oil boiler and tank, the move would provide considerable savings over the lifespan of the installation.

Whilst renewables and alternative fuels are often promoted as "cost effective solutions for a clean green future", the true costs of green fuels for the domestic user are substantially higher than suggested by these renewable heating solution providers. Mister C suggests that you look at the independent figures from the Sutherland tables rather than the massaged figures of alternative energy and home heat providers. 

Thank you to everyone who entered my Easter colouring competition.

14/04/2021 01/07/2026

Hi junior artworkers,

Thank you to everyone who entered my Easter colouring competition.

You have bombarded me with your best efforts, and I've loved flicking through them all!

The WINNER of the £50 book voucher in my colouring competition is…

…drumroll, please!

Bethany, with her beautiful entry.

It's purrrrfect.

I choose it because of the real attention it showed and the considered use of colours. It made me really happy this chilly Easter.

Great job Bethany!

Keep an eye out for the postman, or possibly one of my colleagues in a CPS Fuels tanker, who will be delivering your prize shortly.

Cold weather set to continue throughout April.

12/04/2021 01/07/2026

Many of us woke up yesterday and again this morning to very cold wintry conditions with continued high pressure making snow, hail and sleet a common feature of the current forecast. It looks like our day and especially night time temperatures are set to remain at or slightly below average for some time.

Today sees the next relaxation of lockdown rules with many expected to return to work whilst non essential shops will reopen. Certainly those out at first light waiting on hairdressers and shops felt the chill.

The new normal though has tended to indicate that many people will continue working from home and the need to maintain a warm home and/or office remains important. Though currently the days are pretty chilly, they are at least in many places sunny and dry, allowing us the opportunity to check our home heating oil tanks.

Not only has the high street woken from its forced slumber but our farmers have been out leaving the mark of their agricultural activity on the rural landscape. This increase in Spring activity is evident in the freshly turned soil and the flocks of (early?) birds chasing the tractors and catching the worms. This coupled with a greater demand for road fuels as the stay local advice lifts has meant that we remain both busy and well placed to serve from our well stocked depots.

So whilst Easter would normally be the start of the heating oil season slowdown, it would probably be a good time to check your tank, or tank monitor and get that top up ordered.

Mister C 

If you need tank dipping advice then this handy guide might help or for my answers to frequently asked questions such as "can you deliver when my boiler is running?" click here: FAQ's. 

Colouring - Count me in

25/03/2021 01/07/2026

Mister C wanted to wish you a purrfect Easter on behalf of all the team at
CPS Fuels.

If you are looking for ways to entertain little ones over the break why not enter our Easter colouring competition? The winner will receive a £50 book voucher!

You can download and print Mister C and make his Easter purrfect.

Please ask your parents to send your entry to:

Mister C's Colourful Easter

CPS Fuels

Stanfield Road

Wymondham 

NR18 9QY

Remember to include your full name, age and address.

Purrfect 

Mister C strives for purrrfection

02/03/2021 01/07/2026

At CPS Fuels we take our reputation very seriously and have used Trustpilot for many years to get an independent view of how we perform.

The TrustPilot digital platform brings our business and our consumers together to foster trust and inspire collaboration. Its free for consumers to use, open to everybody, and built on transparency, just one of the reasons why Mister C chose TrustPilot as the best review platform for CPS Fuels.

Every review we receive is read by real members of our team. They decide what action needs to be taken or whom the information needs to be shared with. This way we can ensure that we are continually listening and improving.

Today we were delighted to see that our hard work seems to have paid off. Our customers have spoken and through their rating and with their feedback we are delighted to be listed by Trustpilot as the 5th most trusted Energy provider out of 71 in the UK. We have also picked up a full range of medals in their sub-categories, including;

Gold - Top Diesel Fuel Supplier

Silver - Heating Oil Supplier

Bronze - Fuel Supplier

CPS Fuels are delighted our customers have tried, tested and trusted us with all their fuel orders. Mister C and the whole team will not be resting on their laurels though and will continue to strive to improve our service.

How can I make my Home Heating Oil last longer?

11/02/2021 01/07/2026

Worried about how quickly your oil gets used up?

It's painful handing over hundreds of pounds, even at a cheap pence per litre price, to get the tank filled or topped up. So here's Mister C’s great tips that will help you make your home heating oil last much longer.

The first list of tips won't cost you anything to put into action. The second list involve some cost, but you'll save money by using less in the long run.

Mister C’s Cost-free tips

1. Not all rooms are equal. Adjust the thermostats or the valves on your radiator(s) so that living areas are 20°C and bedrooms are 16°C. Keep internal doors closed. Do you really need to heat up hallways and landings?
2. Turn bathroom fans off as quickly as possible to prevent heat loss. If they are on a timer, adjust the timer so that it is not running longer than it needs to be. This will save you electricity too.
3. Dress in layers; layers keep your warmer than wearing one heavy garment will.
4. Wear thicker socks or slippers! If your feet aren't cold you'll be less likely to turn the heating on.
5. Make sure the heat vents and the radiators are free of obstructions. If they're covered with furniture or drying clothes, the air cannot circulate and the warmth won't reach you.
6. Open curtains and blinds during the day to let the sun in. Even on cold days it's surprising how much heat can come through from sunlight. Of course, you need to be quick to close them in the evening and when you have put the heating on to help to keep the heat in.

Spend now and save in the long run

1. Make sure that all potential sources of draughts are well sealed off with weather stripping or other suitable draught excluders.
2. Use a humidifier if the air in your house is really dry. Humid air feels warmer.
3. Make sure that your oil boiler and the burner unit is burning the oil as efficiently as possible; Get it serviced annually by an OFTEC
4. certified technician.
5. If your burner is getting on in age, maybe you should consider a new more energy-efficient model. Riello burners are used widely in Worcester Bosch, Grant and Warmflow boilers and can be upgraded. Your boiler service engineer is the best person to ask.   
6. If your flue doesn't have a flap (or some other mechanism) to close it when you don't have a fire, buy a chimney draught excluder.
7. Use a humidifier if the air in your house is really dry. Humid air feels warmer.

Even if you only apply some of these tips you'll make your tank of oil last longer. 

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

To top up your tank with low cost heating oil click or call CPS Fuels now.

Thank you to Anglia Heating and Anglia Oil Tank Solutions for their assistance in producing this money saving guide. Try them for OFTEC certified oil boiler servicing and clean, cost-effective, tank replacement.

#homeheating oil #saveonheating #energyefficiency

Thank you to the big yellow digger

08/02/2021 01/07/2026

Before 8 am this morning we had already thanked a number of farmers for assisting our drivers in gaining access to local villages and this big digger came to the rescue of two of our tankers that got stuck less than five miles from Long Stratton. 

We are going to ask Mister C if we can have a big yellow digger on our fleet.

CPS Fuels guide to checking the level of heating oil in your storage tank

10/01/2018 01/07/2026

Avoid running out of heating oil, causing costly damage to your boiler, and the need for an emergency delivery with CPS Fuels mini guide of top tips on how to measure the oil in your tank.

_{Set a regular day to check}

However you choose to monitor your heating oil, it is a good idea to set a regular day to check your tank's oil level.

Whether you have a fuel gauge or not, popping a reminder in your phone or marking a specific day on your calendar can make all the difference and gets you into a routine.

And please do remember to check that your gauge is in working order. If it hasn't moved in a month and you know you've been using your heating there's a good chance it's not recording the level correctly. Mister C advises getting it checked.

_{Get to know your fuel oil tank}

It may sound obvious but it’s helpful to know your starting point. If you’re unsure of the size of your tank and its capacity you should find a label on the tank that tells you. On more recent tanks, it may be on the front or side. Mister C knows many manufacturers have tank model guides on their websites.

To measure, some tanks have simple float gauges or sight level tubes that allow you to keep an eye on your oil level. Make sure you turn the sight gauge lever when you check the level. It should be left in the off position to minimise the chance of leaks.

When your gauge indicates that the tank is still about one quarter full, it is a wise time to order. The winter months are the busiest time for fuel oil companies so ordering in plenty of time will avoid leaving it too late.

_{If you have a digital monitor}

If your tank has a digital monitor that plugs into an electric socket inside the house, such as an Apollo or Watchman, ordering when the digit reaches 1 or 2 (1 or 2 bars) is usually the ideal time.

Most systems are designed to flash at either Level 1 or Level 2. When the monitor first starts flashing at these levels, there’s no need to panic or turn off your heating  as you have oil left in the tank - the flashing is merely a visible reminder to place your order.

Mister C says that a correctly set up tank should never have the sensors placed on the bottom of the tank so even when the monitor registers zero or zero bars there will still be approximately 10% of fuel left in the tank.

_{Can't beat a dipstick}

If your tank has no gauging system, or you want to double-check the accuracy of your gauge, the best and most basic method is to measure and monitor how much oil you have with a dipstick by dipping the tank.

To avoid contamination, make sure you use a clean dipstick and that it is used solely for your oil tank.

To measure your tank manually Mister C says; take the cap off the top of the tank, which is where the fuel goes in, and put the dipstick right down to the bottom of the tank. When the stick is withdrawn, the oil will leave a mark on the stick consistent with the level of oil. When your tank level gets down to around the last 12 inches (approx. 30cm), we recommend it’s time to order your fuel.

_{Don't let your oil level fall to low}

Apart from averting an oil emergency, keeping approximately 12 inches of oil in the bottom of your tank will also help to prevent a delivery disrupting the sediment that settles at the tank's base. This sediment can clog up your filters, supply pipe and lead to costly repairs.

For a steel tank capacity guide click here. If you have a plastic tank we would recommend checking with the manufacturer online for a capacity guide (strapping chart) for your make and model.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

To top up your tank with low cost heating oil click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

5 Top Tips – Stay warm & take the stress out of heating your home this winter

16/01/2018 01/07/2026

_{Stay Warm – Check your oil stock levels.}

Reduce winter stress by checking your oil tank levels regularly. Mister C recommends checking your level every week, as most homes use more than half their annual consumption in three winter months.

Don’t let your level drop below 2 on an electronic gauge or 12 inches on sight tube.

If you wish to order then call your local CPS depot during office hours, or get a quote and order online outside office hours and at the weekends.

For more on checking your tank’s oil level click here: Mister C's Tank Level Checklist

_{It’s cold out there! Look out for leaks.}

When checking your levels Mister C recommends checking your tank, pipes, and other equipment for leaks, damage, and interference. Any problems should be investigated and fixed as soon as possible by an OFTEC qualified technician. CPS Fuels recommends Anglia Heating Solutions for Oil tanks, boilers, and equipment.

_{Stay safe and secure – if you’re going away.}

If you work away, plan to visit friends, or enjoy a winter break make your tank as secure as possible.

Although oil theft is very rare, Mister C recommends using visible security measures, such PRI lights, a tank lock, or even CCTV. A tank that is seen to be secure is a hard tank to steal from.

_{Check your Insurance coverage is up to date.}

Mister C says many standard home insurance policies do not cover your oil tank. Make sure you are covered for loss of oil through theft or spillage, and for any clean up needed.

_{If you spot a leak – don’t ignore it!}

If you can catch the drips, use a bucket, and if you can’t, then stop oil running into drains with soil or absorbent material.

Call the National Pollution Hotline on 0800 807060  - they are open 24/7.

Mister C says Remember – Never wash oil down drains with water and or use detergents on a spill.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

To top up your tank with low cost heating oil click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Don't believe the brokers

11/12/2020 01/07/2026

Don’t believe the brokers

Hundreds of pre-Christmas delivery slots available.

Check your tank now & tick oil off your Christmas list.

Winter’s well and truly on its way.

18/11/2020 01/07/2026

With falling leaves, frosty mornings, short days.

Winter’s well and truly on its way.

Do check your oil tank levels and book your top up if needed.

Call 01953 713950 or use our easy online order system.

You can also take a look at Mister C's Top Tips

Stay warm & take the stress out of heating your home this winter

Tank Maintenance Reminder - the importance of a proactive approach

22/10/2020 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels Commercial Customer Advice Sheet

Reminder: Taking a proactive approach to Tank Maintenance and Water Management in Autumn and Winter for tanks that store RTFO Fuels containing FAME

As we move towards the cooler and wetter months of autumn and winter we once again wish to highlight the importance of taking a proactive approach to tank maintenance and water management.

Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation:

The government's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) requires a percentage of petrol and diesel in the UK to come from renewable sources. This means the addition of ethanol in petrol and the addition of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in diesel.

The presence of such renewable sources in petrol and diesel make water and tank management, throughout the supply chain, more important than ever. In recognition of this challenge, we continue to invest, communicate and work with our supply chain to ensure only the highest quality of fuel is supplied to our customers.

Diesel Fuel: Supplied by CPS Fuels, unmarked as Diesel, or marked as Gas Oil (Red Diesel).

In order to comply with the RTFO, diesel fuel in the UK now contains up to 7% of renewable bio diesel (FAME). FAME has certain characteristics which can result in complications if diesel storage tanks are not looked after correctly.

Complications relating to FAME:

1. FAME has solvent type properties which have a 'cleaning effect' on fuel tanks. This cleaning effect can remove dirt and result in clogged filters.
2. FAME also has 'hygroscopic characteristics' meaning it attracts and holds on to water. Water in diesel fuel can lead to the growth of microbes (Microbiological contamination).

What is microbiological contamination?

Microbiological contamination results from the growth of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Such microorganisms will grow wherever there is a source of water and fuel (as food).

Filters in pumps play an important role in protecting consumer's engines from particles (dirt) in fuel. However, microbiological growth can result in the blockage of pump filters, impact the performance of the pumps (blocked filters will lead to slow delivery and nozzles out of action) and lead to increased corrosion.

Important: As FAME helps to attract water into diesel fuel, it is now more important than ever to ensure that water is kept out of the storage system to reduce the risks outlined above. This is especially important in the cooler and wetter months of autumn and winter.

HOUSEKEEPING TIPS:

How can water get into the fuel storage system? Entry points for water include:

1. Free water can occur due to ingress or leaks as a result of, for example, heavy rainfall or through cracks in equipment
2. Water vapour (humid air) can enter storage tanks through air vents followed by cooling or condensation on tank walls

What can I do to help avoid issues associated with water in the fuel tank/storage system?

• Routinely inspect the fuel storage system for areas of possible water intrusion:
• Verify that tank lids and fill caps are securely in place;
• Ensure gaskets are not cracked or worn;
• Check that spill buckets are clean and dry;
• Verify that the steel vent line riser is not corroded at the base where water could intrude; and
• Ensure that any surface drains near the underground tanks are clean and free of debris.
• Conduct checks to ensure that tanks remain free of water. Use water-finding paste to detect the presence of water at the bottom of the tank.
• Monitor dispenser flow rates for slow flow and if indicated, change the filters.
• Pump filters should be checked regularly to avoid the build-up of sludge content.
• Consider the use of a fuel storage or conditioning additives.

CPS Fuels have a very experienced tank engineering team who would be pleased to provide help, advice and assistance to all our commercial and agricultural customers so they can bring their installations up to scratch and so ensure that the fuel they store is kept and dispensed in the best possible condition.

If you have any queries, questions, or require any further advice the please contact the CPS Fuels Commercial Team on 01953 713540.

CPS Fuels, as a JET Approved Partner, supply marked EN590 grade diesel as Gas Oil so you have the highest quality Gas Oil available irrespective of use. CPS Fuels Gas Oil meets the same BS EN590 specifications as white road diesel and is therefore suitable for use in all farm machinery. The fuel properties of EN590 (as Diesel & as Gas Oil) are adjusted seasonally to maintain good low temperature performance and operability.

Top heating myths - OFTEC explains

14/12/2018 01/07/2026

Top heating myths - OFTEC explains

With the nights drawing in and the weather turning colder, households could miss out on significant savings if they forget to adjust their heating system for the change in temperature.

Poor energy use, in particular leaving heating and lights on by mistake for just four hours a week, is estimated to cost on average £250 per home every year.

In response OFTEC, the trade association for oil heating, has issued advice to households on how to avoid these expensive mistakes by highlighting some of the most common winter heating myths:

Myth 1: Turning the thermostat up high will warm the house more quickly.

Fact: When the weather outside gets really cold, you may be tempted to turn your thermostat up to a high temperature – but you shouldn't need to do this. The house will warm up at the same speed, regardless of what you set it to.

Myth 2: It's cheaper to leave your heating running at a low temperature than constantly turning it off and on when it gets cold. 

Fact: Having your heating on when it's not needed will cost you money so turn it off if it's not being used! Instead, adjust your timers so it comes on only when you want it to.

Myth 3: Turning down individual radiators will save you money.

Fact: This is not necessarily the case. If your thermostat is on, radiators will keep working until the room reaches the set temperature. If you want to save money, turn off radiators in rooms you aren't using. However, keep your main rooms heated as living in a cold house can be bad for your health.

Myth 4: Your water needs to be constantly heated during the day or it'll be cold.

​Fact: If your water tank is well insulated it will stay warm for several hours. Set your timers so the water is heated an hour or so before you need it at two or three different times of the day.

Myth 5: Only have a technician look at your boiler if it's not working correctly.

Fact: Have your heating system serviced once a year to check it is working correctly and efficiently – this will help avoid a costly repair bill during winter. Make sure you use a GasSafe (for mains gas) or OFTEC (for oil) registered technician who will follow strict industry safety standards.

Malcolm Farrow from OFTEC said:

"With temperatures beginning to drop rapidly, the temptation is to crank up the heating to the highest setting. However, this can be a costly mistake to make at an already expensive time of year with Christmas just around the corner.

"So, we've set out the facts to bust some of the biggest winter heating misconceptions and help households reduce their energy use and save money on their fuel bills."

Source: OFTEC Online Top heating myths busted as households prepare for winter weather. OFTEC (the Oil Firing Technical Association) is the trade and marketing body for the oil fired heating and cooking industry in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Autumn is fast approaching! Do you need a top-up?

08/09/2020 01/07/2026

With the days and nights getting chillier, we would like to remind you that now’s the perfect time to check your tank and make savings by topping up before winter sets in.

CPS Fuels guide to Domestic Heating Oil Tanks - Heating Oil Tank FAQ’s

02/08/2018 01/07/2026

Oil tank FAQs, help and advice on Oil Tanks. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about domestic heating oil storage tanks.

_{What is a Single Skin Oil Storage Tank?}

A single skin oil tank is a container in which fuel is stored. There is no bund or catchment area, i.e second skin, and so in the event of a spillage the fuel would be released into the environment.

_{What is a Bunded Oil Tank?}

A bunded oil tank is a tank within a leak proof area or a double skinned oil tank (a tank within a tank). Oil is contained in the inner tank and the outer tank acts as protection. They are designed this way for several reasons. The main reason is that should a leak or spillage occur the fuel would be contained in the bund area, but they can also provide additional benefits such as protection from the weather and elements for the inner tank and any fitted equipment.

Building regulations advise that all new oil tanks installed are bunded.

_{Which material is best for Oil Tanks?}

Oil storage tanks are available in Plastic or Metal. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Plastic Oil Tanks

• Come in a wide variety of sizes and capacities to suit most needs
• Do not need painting
• Can be installed straight on a base on the ground without the need to construct piers
• Readily avaliable fully bunded

Metal Oil Tanks

• Offer higher levels of security offers protection against theft or vandals
• Steel tanks do not require a solid platform – can be placed on piers
• Are available is standard or bespoke sizes
• Fully compliant with all legislation
• Require ground works for tank bases

_{How close to my house can I have my Oil Tank?}

An oil tank has to be a minimum of 1.8 metres away from any part of a building or construction that isn’t fire resistant, such as doors, windows, eves and cladding.

_{What rules and regulations should be followed when installing an Oil Tank?}

Oil storage tank installations need to comply with regional Building Regulations. In England and Wales, OFTEC registered technicians can self-certify their own work without involving Local Authority Building Control. If you choose to use someone who isn’t registered with a ‘Competent Person’ scheme like OFTEC, then you will have to obtain a Building Control Notice.

Under oil tank building regulations for England and Wales, if the oil storage tank’s capacity is:

Over 2500 litres – it must have secondary containment (bunding).

Up to 2500 litres – it may need secondry containment (bunding) depending on the outcome of an individual site pollution risk assessment.

However, oil tanks with less than 2500 litre capacity must be bunded if the tank is:

• Within 10 metres of controlled water

• Located where spillage could run into an open drain or to a loose manhole cove

•Within 50 metres of a borehole or spring

• Over hard ground or hard surfaced ground that could enable spillage run-off to reach controlled water

• Located in a position where the vent pipe outlet is not visible from the fill point

• Supplying heating oil to a building other than a single family dwelling.

We would also recommend that you refer to OFTEC for more detailed guidelines and regulations regarding fuel and also see the UK Oil Tank Storage & Building Regulations. 

We would recommend that you use an OFTEC registered technician to install a new or replacement oil tank as they can self-certify their own work without involving Local Authority Building Control under the ‘Competent Person’ scheme.

If you choose to use someone who isn’t registered with a ‘Competent Person’ scheme then you will have to obtain a Building Control Notice. This will require an inspection of your installation which can be both costly and time consuming. Should the installation not meet the requirements then it will need to be corrected, which might incur significant additional costs.

CPS Fuels preferred partner is Anglia Oil Tank Solutions. As well as supplying and installing bunded oil tanks, this company has a wide choice of both plastic and metal oil tanks and importantly are OFTEC registered.

Please get in touch with Anglia Oil Tank Solutions to discuss your home heating requirements. We're here to help in any way we can.

To find out more about checking your oil level then click here or to see our guide to gauging click here. Our steel tank capacity guide can be found here,

CPS Fuels is proud to be an approved JET distributor, giving our customers the benefit of JET’s brand and product security, delivered by friendly people with great local knowledge. At CPS Fuels we constantly check out prices to ensure we're giving you the best deal possible for your home heating oil.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Check your heating oil tank advises Environment Agency

02/07/2020 01/07/2026

Coronavirus is impacting our lives in many ways and changing our routines. It has also caused the price of oil to fall, so many people are filling their tanks. 

With people storing more oil than normal over the summer months, the risk of leaks is ever greater, and the danger these pose to the environment and wildlife must not be underestimated.

In a press release issued on the 1st July, The Environment Agency is urging anyone with a domestic heating oil tank to check their tank is in a good state of repair before getting heating oil delivered.

This is especially important as tanks will be more full than usual through the summer months, increasing the risk of spills and leaks.

Leaks and spills from any oil storage tank can be difficult and expensive to clean up; leaked oil can end up in groundwater supplies and drains, many of which lead directly into rivers, streams, lakes and even garden ponds.

If oil does get into drains it could pollute watercourses; harming livestock, wildlife and plants.

Our vital drinking water can also come from the same surface and groundwater supplies so protection is important.

Oil is poisonous to fish, other wildlife and smothers plants - just two litres of oil could seriously pollute the volume of fresh water needed to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Helen Wakeham, Deputy Director of Water Quality for the Environment Agency said:

“With people storing more oil than normal over the summer months, the risk of leaks is ever greater, and the danger these pose to the environment and wildlife must not be underestimated.

“The clean-up costs of a leaking tank can also cost tens of thousands of pounds, and land contamination caused by a leak can severely affect the value of your property.

“It is vital both the tank and pipes are regularly inspected and for people to never buy more oil than they can safely store.

“If anyone does find a spill, please contact us straight away so we can reduce the impact on the environment.”

To report an oil spill people should contact the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

Visit Gov.uk for guidance on the regulations that apply to storing oil: https://www.gov.uk/oil-storage-regulations-and-safety and visit the Oil Care Campaign for website for further guidance: http://oilcare.org.uk/

CPS Fuels recommend Anglia Heating Solutions for boiler servicing and oil tank replacement.

CPS Fuels logo has changed to show support for NHS staff and keyworkers

23/06/2020 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels has changed its logo to thank and support NHS staff and keyworkers for all their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic.

The rainbow, promising better times to come, has become a symbol of hope for many during the outbreak. As they travelled through East Anglia, our tanker drivers were moved by the number of pictures of rainbows and messages of support in the windows of the homes they delivered to.

Acting on a suggestion from one of the domestic customer service team, CPS Fuels have decided to do their bit to show gratitude to NHS staff members and other keyworkers by temporarily integrating the colours of a rainbow in the company logo online, on Twitter and on Facebook:

“We may have stopped clapping, but we haven’t stopped caring. So to say a big thank you to all the keyworkers we have temporarily changed our company logo in recognition of all the fantastic work by all NHS staff, carers and other key workers within our community.

Thank you guys. Great work."

Mister C 

Global oil prices still at an incredibly low level

06/05/2020 01/07/2026

Global oil prices are still at an incredibly low level which means that your local CPS Fuels depot can offer fuel at numbers not seen for years.

Being able to top up or fill your home heating oil tank right now would be a very wise move, as when things ease and the Covid19 lock down starts to soften, prices are unlikely to remain at these unprecedented levels.

Mister C's advice therefore is that if you can take 500 litres (the minimum order amount as set by Trading Standards) then now would be an excellent time to do so. Unfortunately whilst additional savings can be made when greater volumes are ordered we cannot deliver into other independent tanks, containers or barrels, but we can currently take orders for future delivery later in the year.

We continue to prioritise those people who are identified as being ‘at risk’ during the current crisis and also all NHS staff and frontline workers. If you fall into one of those categories then please use the form that is linked from the bottom of our CPS Fuels Covid-19 page.

Mister C wishes that you all Keep Warm, Keep Safe and Keep Well.

Bank the low prices to halve your annual heating bill

19/05/2020 01/07/2026

With the average UK heating oil price at near historic lows, and well below the 10 year average its a good time to buy for the future. If you have space in your tank for a top up, then we recommend you do.

With prices this good we think it's a great time to fill the space you have and with the new CPS Fuels Future Delivery Option you can also lock in the low price for your Autumn delivery. Click this option now to halve your annual fuel bill.

Be quick  - it won't be long before prices start to recover as global demand picks up after lock down. 

Fantastic news for all our Heating Oil customers!

20/05/2020 01/07/2026

Sutherland Tables of Comparative Heating Costs

Fantastic news for all Heating Oil customers!

The latest Sutherland Tables, which have just been plublished, show that Heating Oil is the cheapest way to heat your home beating all renewables, off-grid alternatives and even mains gas!

And with current prices being the lowest for a decade or more; it makes sense to bank the saving and top up your Heating Oil tank for the winter.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

To top up your tank with low cost heating oil click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re Local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Secretary of State's Coronavirus (Covid-19) letter to the energy sector

05/05/2020 01/07/2026

Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy thanked the UK's energy sector and the companies like CPS Fuels that operate in it, for ensuring the security of our supplies, keeping our most critical infrastructure operating safely and securely, and for making sure homes and businesses right across the UK are receiving the energy they need.

The letter thanks all those who are working tirelessly within the energy industry during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In his letter he pays tribute to the sector's round the clock work in keeping some of the most critical infrastructure operating safely and securely; keeping fuel flowing, the lights on, our buildings heated and cooled, and ensuring we have access to hot water.

He goes on to say that this work is an essential part of our response to coronavirus (Covid19) as in these challenging times the sector has enabled essential services to continue to keep the public safe, including the most vulnerable in our society.

In conclusion he recognises and thanks all involved for contributing to the resilience of our nation and for the enormous efforts you are making at this testing time.

and signs

THE RT HON ALOK SHARMA MP

Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

When is the best time to buy heating oil?

29/04/2020 01/07/2026

Mister C often gets asked

The answer to the question is

"Now"

World oil prices are really low at present, but have recovered a little over the past few days. 

Although there may be some further small drops in price, we believe the price has nearly bottomed out.

So, with prices at low levels, it's a great time to order!

Delivery initiative to include NHS staff

02/04/2020 01/07/2026

For the duration of COVID-19, Mister C has opened up the CPS Fuels ‘vulnerable customer delivery initiative’ to include NHS staff. Read more here: https://cpsfuels.co.uk #heatingoil #vulnerablecustomers #nhsworker #supportournhs #nhsstaff

Contactless deliveries are the best way to protect customers & drivers

26/03/2020 01/07/2026

Mister C is delighted to see such paw-sitive feedback during these testing times. Contactless deliveries are the best way to protect customers and staff alike so, if you have a delivery on the way, please:

Unlock your tank and clear the access in advance.
 

Stay inside - all deliveries will be treated as if you’re not home.

Read our COVID-19 delivery procedures here: https://www.cpsfuels.co.uk/covid-19-customer-information

#BeSafe #cpsfuels #StopCovid #heatingoil

Community Spirit - help your neighbour

20/03/2020 01/07/2026

Share on Facebook or Twitter 

Our drivers are working hard

20/03/2020 01/07/2026

Our drivers are working hard to get to our customers as quickly as we can.

Please: Unlock your tank. Clear the access. Respect space.

New Delivery Procedures

#BeSafe #StopCovid #heatingoil

Going Contactless: New Fuel Delivery procedures

17/03/2020 01/07/2026

The situation around COVID-19 is constantly evolving, so we are constantly reviewing the best ways to protect you and our employees. 

Today we have introduced New Fuel Delivery Procedures for CPS Fuels.

Please read and review our new procedures before you receive your delivery.

No Gas Oil ? - Right Fuel, Right Price, Right Away!

30/03/2020 01/07/2026

As the national press calls for farming and farmers to step up in these turbulent times; CPS Fuels are here to support your local effort and fuel your farm.

We know that fuel is essential to keep your farm running; but after months of waiting to get on the land why is your fuel supplier expecting you to wait another month for fuel?

CPS Fuels is serving local Gas Oil customers in a few working days.

Buy direct from CPS Fuels and enjoy:

• Prompt Delivery
• Dedicated Commercial Sales Team
• Competitive prices
• Local depots & Experienced delivery drivers
• JET brand Quality & Security
• Account terms available

Products we supply:

• Gas Oil (ULSGO)
• Red Diesel
• Farm Diesel (ULSGO)
• Unmarked White Diesel (ULSD) & Marked EN590

If you want the right fuels, at the right prices, right away then ring

01953 713540

_{#BackBritishFarming #FeedingTheNation #FoodArmy}

Home heating oil prices tumble

10/03/2020 01/07/2026

Dear Customer,

In the UK the news is full of stories about panic buying in supermarkets due to the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and globally the virus has had an aggressive impact on the world’s stock markets.

The price of oil globally has also fallen quite dramatically over the last couple of weeks and this has filtered quickly down to the home heating oil market with prices today reflecting a level not seen for around 6 years!

Now is a very good time to either top up or fill your home heating oil tank.

If you have a moment, why not get a quote and maybe place an order, we think you’ll be surprised.

Kind regards,

Mister C
 

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

What can Farmers do to tackle the issue of ‘FAME’ in Gas Oil?

19/02/2020 01/07/2026

Farmers and the wider agricultural community across the UK are reporting issues with Gas Oil (Red Diesel). These issues are leading to operational problems with, and blocked fuel filters in, tractors and other plant equipment.

UKIFDA, the fuel distributions trade organisation, have confirmed that the operational problems are nationwide and not restricted to any one fuel supplier or distributor.

CPS Fuels, as a JET authorised distributor with the backing and support of Phillips P66, have been quick to assist the agricultural community in East Anglia.

Keith Read, former farmer and now part of the CPS Fuels Agricultural Team, explains why we are seeing issues with Gas Oil:

“The Road Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) was first introduced in 2008. It required all fuel refiners to add levels of FAME to most UK fuels. The reason for adding FAME to fuel is to reduce the levels of fossil fuels, by replacing part of the mineral fuel with a sustainable element.

Since 2008 the levels of FAME in Gas Oil has varied, but until recently was at very low levels and caused few problems when used in farming or plant equipment. The level of FAME has now risen significantly. From January 2019 the target was 8.5% and is set to increase up to 12.4% by 2032.

The challenge with biofuels such as FAME is that they have a chemical property which means they absorb surprisingly high levels of moisture from the atmosphere. This moisture forms tiny droplets in the fuel, then drops down to settle the bottom of the tank, where it collects as free water. 

Where this water and the fuel meets, organic bacteria that are always present in mineral fuel in microscopic form, clump together and form a thick sludge, usually black, but can show as a white waxy substance. It is this family of ‘diesel bugs’ that are causing the problems we are now seeing.”

As part of CPS Fuel’s commitment to promoting best practice in the farming industry in East Anglia, we are reiterating and expanding on guidance previously shared with our farming customers.

Six measures to minimise the impact of FAME in Gas Oil.

1) Check your fuel storage tank

If you still have a single skinned tank it's probably time to upgrade to a bunded one. Aside from having a 'second skin' to prevent oil leaks, bunded tanks help reduce the levels of condensation in the fuel which is a major problem as the fuel gets cold overnight and then sunshine warms the single skin of the tank. The temperature difference promotes condensation, especially in the spring and autumn seasons when the highest temperature changes occur.

2) Location matters

Keeping the tank in a location that is as dry as possible will help reduce the water build-up and in turn the contamination issues. Therefore, we recommend where possible storing your tank out of the rain. However, storing inside farm buildings that contain livestock over the winter should also be avoided as the humidity of these sheds can lead to significant problems.

3) Top up before you run low

The most common time for the problem with contamination to be reported is immediately after a fuel delivery. This often leads to the conclusion that the fuel delivery has been the source of the problem – but what happens is that if the fuel level was very low before the delivery, the action of pumping fuel in at high pressure causes the contamination at the bottom of the tank (often below the outlet level) to mix around the fuel and then out of the fuel lines into the engine or boiler.

One option is to make sure any water and contamination in the bottom of the tank is regularly drained, another is to not allow the fuel levels to drop much below halfway to reduce the risk of stirring up any contamination. It should be noted that this second option will only delay, not resolve the problem!

4) Remove water from your storage tank

If your tank has a water drain then run off any free water that has accumulated in your tank. If no water drain is fitted then there are various water soaking devices you can use to absorb water from your fuel storage tank.  which includes the Tank Sponge Eco, a device which is dropped into the tank to soak up any water that might form at the bottom. Once full, the insert within the device can be replaced with a new unit, each one able to absorb up to 700ml.

5) Consider storage additives to protect your machinery

There is no additive which can remove water from the fuel, however, there are additives that can reduce the buildup of microbial contamination. Care must be taken however, as using these additives in a badly contaminated tank will tend to flood the fuel lines and filters with dead bacterial sludge.

Assuming that the tank and fuel is clean, the use of fuel additives (which are supplied by most major fuel distributors) will help slow the buildup and reduce the risk of waxing and of course, still provide the usual performance and efficiency improvements.

6) Fit proper filtration on your fuel bunker

CPS Fuels are Farmers too. At Foxburrow we store our Tractor Diesel in a 10000 litre FuelProof tank, which was installed in 2016. All machinery is bunkered through a 4 micron Cim-Tek filter fitted to that tank and the machinery uses Largo filters on all the equipment. Our Farm runs modern machinery: Agco tractors, Claas Combines and JCB handling equipment. The farm has had no problems, filter blockages or fuel issues running on Gas Oil supplied direct from CPS Fuels.

To conclude we believe users must tackle these issues now as FAME isn’t going away and will only increase over time with the next increase to 9.75% set for 2020.

CPS Fuels have a very experienced tank engineering team who would be pleased to provide help, advice and assistance to all our agricultural customers so they can bring their installations up to scratch and so ensure that the fuel they store is kept and dispensed in the best possible condition.

To order Gas Oil and farm fuels in Bulk or Barrels click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

CPS Fuels, as a JET authorised distributor, supply marked EN590 grade diesel as Gas Oil so you have the highest quality Gas Oil available irrespective of use. CPS Fuels Gas Oil meets the same BS EN590 specifications as white road diesel and is therefore suitable for use in all farm machinery. The fuel properties of Gas Oil are adjusted seasonally to maintain good low temperature performance and operability. 

For our CPS Gas Oil information sheet click here. 

Phillips P66: Gas Oil safety data sheet & Gas Oil marketing specification sheet

Foxburrow Farm – Farming without Fuel problems.

23/12/2019 01/07/2026

It was very interesting to be a member of the audience at the recent meeting on Fuel Issues held at the offices of Anglia Farmers last week. There was a lot of anger and frustration voiced by many members over the issues they had experienced with fuel this year.

CPS Fuels is the only fuel distributor in East Anglia that also farms in East Anglia.

CPS Fuels serves thousands of Agricultural, Commercial and Domestic customers across the Eastern region, whilst Foxburrow Farm cultivates 2000 hectares in Mid-Norfolk. It would also appear that we are one of a very few who have had a trouble free harvest.

Foxburrow Farm runs modern machinery: Agco tractors, Claas Combines and JCB handling equipment. We use Largo filters on all our equipment and all machinery is bunkered through a 4 micron Cim-Tek filter.

The Gas Oil supplied by CPS Fuels is EN590 (White Diesel) marked for Agricultural use and CPS Fuels is the only JET Approved partner in East Anglia.

Foxburrow Farm has had no problems with any machinery running on Gas Oil supplied direct from CPS Fuels.

As AF suppliers CPS Fuels could deliver the same fuel to you.

• There is no need to contract your volume.
• You can order direct and have the invoice managed through your AF account.
• You can order volumes to suit your needs and avoid receiving tractor diesel from co-mingled storage and multiple suppliers.  
• You will have a direct relationship, an experienced regular driver and a preferential delivery service.
• CPS can also arrange a tank inspection and give you advice around storage facility.

In essence the main issues seem to revolve around fuel from co-mingled sources, multiple suppliers and on farm storage, but you can work with CPS to solve them all.

To order Gas Oil and farm fuels, or to find out more call 01953 713540

The Crude Oil Price Story

15/10/2019 01/07/2026

The Crude Oil Price Story: 1861- today

Like most other commodities in the markets, crude oil prices have routinely experienced wild price swings alternating between times of great shortages, high demand and high prices and periods of oversupply, low demand and depressed prices. These so-called crude oil “Price Cycles” tend to last several years, depending on variables such as oil demand, volume of oil drilled, processed and sold by the major producers.

Since the early days of commercial production in Baku, Azerbaijan, these price swings have been triggered by economic and political events, technological advancements and changes within the petroleum industry, and continue to influence prices in the present day.

Source: IG Group

1800-1869: Early black gold rush

The modern oil industry traces back its roots to Baku where the first commercial refinery was established in 1837 to distill oil into paraffin for heating and lighting purposes.

The first modern oil well was sunk in Baku in 1846 and reached a depth of 21 meters. The single oil field accounted for more than 90% of global production, with most of the oil finding its way to Persia (present-day Iran).

Several commercial oil wells soon followed:

- Poland--1854

- Bucharest, Romania--1857

- Ontario, Canada--1858

- Pennsylvania, USA--1859

Pennsylvania was the epicenter of the first black gold rush, producing nearly 50% of the world’s oil. Prices shot up rapidly from $0.49 per barrel in 1861 to $6.59 a barrel in 1865, representing a massive 1,245% climb in the space of just four years.

1870-1913: The auto revolution

Whereas some economists contend that the modern oil industry only took off after WWII with the creation of the Marshall Plan - part of which was an agreement for a Free On Board price for all players - others argue that the incorporation of Standard Oil Co by John D. Rockefeller in 1870 in Ohio was the true launchpad for the industry.

Standard Oil quickly rose to prominence over the next two decades, driving down prices and buying up the competition. The company was so successful that it controlled nearly 90% of refined oil in the United States by 1890. As production continued to expand both in the US and in Russia, global oil prices fell from an average of $2.56 a barrel in 1876 to just $0.56 in 1892. This was further accelerated with the launch of the first commercial cars in Germany and the US in 1896, a technological revolution that would fuel unprecedented growth for the industry.

1901-1911: Rise of the oil majors

Many of the modern oil majors can trace their origins to the early 20th century.

- The discovery of oil at Spindletop, Texas, led to the creation of Texaco and Gulf Oil in 1901

- Increasing competitive pressure led to Shell and Royal Dutch merging in 1907 to form Royal Dutch/Shell

- BP, formerly known as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, was incorporated in 1908 following the discovery of oil in Iran

- Chevron, Exxon and Mobil (now Exxon Mobil) came into being in 1911 after the split of Standard Oil Co following an antitrust ruling by the US Supreme Court

The seven oil majors went on to control 85% of the world’s oil reserves during their golden years in the 1970s.

1914-1949: Oil discoveries, wars, crises

The discovery of oil in Cushing, Oklahoma, in 1912 is considered an important milestone for the US oil industry because the region grew to become one of the most important oil fields in the country. Notably, it also became the settlement point for the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil price, a leading global oil price benchmark.

The next four and a half decades were a turbulent period marked by a series of major wars and economic crises, all of which would have an important bearing on oil prices.

First was WWI (1914-1918) which drove up global demand for oil that more than doubled oil prices from $0.81 per barrel in 1914 to $1.98 by the end of the war. Demand continued to grow even after the war ended mainly fueled by the ever-increasing popularity of the automobile and a gasoline shortage in the US west coast. At first, prices surged to $3.07 per barrel before retreating and stabilizing around $1.61 as production increased.

Around this time, oil companies started researching other applications for the commodity including commercial production of plastics. However, prices remained relatively low despite the extra demand created by these applications mainly due to a combination of stiff competition and plentiful supply. Meanwhile, major oil discoveries elsewhere continued to keep the markets awash with the commodity including Venezuela, Iraq, the USSR, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf of Mexico.

The discovery of oil in East Texas in 1930 was one of the major highlights of this period because it helped create an oil glut that happened to coincide with the Great Depression that consequently depressed prices from $1.19 in 1930 to $0.65 in 1931. It took the intervention of the Texas Railroad Commission which enforced production quotas to stabilize prices and prevent further declines.

Just like WWI, the beginning of WWII in 1939 also helped drive demand and boost prices. However, the effect was less pronounced this time around due to bountiful global supply. Nevertheless, the war made governments acutely aware of the need to control reserves, and it would clearly show in their actions over the next couple of decades.

1950-2003: Battle to control production

The ending of the second world war would usher in a period whereby many countries made concerted efforts to hold sway in global oil production, with several governments nationalizing their oil infrastructure.

Between 1950 and1960, Iran, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia all partly nationalized their oil industries. The Suez crisis of 1956-57 saw Egypt seize the Suez Canal through which nearly five percent of the world’s oil flowed.

However, it was the US and USSR that would emerge as the biggest heavyweights in terms of production control. In the late 1950s, the USSR started to flood the market with cheap oil leading to price cuts by the majors in a bid to remain competitive. In response to these developments, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Venezuela teamed up and formed OPEC as a means to lower competition between their countries and also as a means to have a bigger impact in controlling supply.

OPEC went on to expand its membership over the next two decades with UAE, Libya, Indonesia, Qatar, Nigeria, Algeria, Gabon and Ecuador joining the organization. Between 1960 and 1976, most of these countries took control of their oil reserves by buying out or forcibly taking shares from the oil majors.

The US and the USSR continued to throw their weight around but soon the influence shifted to OPEC. In 1973, OPEC members embargoed countries supporting Israel in the Yom Kippur war. Consequently, oil prices shot up to levels never witnessed before, from $2.48 per barrel in 1972 to $11.58 by 1974 and even higher in parts of the US.

It was around this time when oil was discovered in the North Sea in a region controlled by the UK and Norway. Oil from this area is referred to as Brent crude and is used alongside WTI to benchmark prices.

Iran sharply cut production during the Iranian revolution (1970-1980) and also during the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-1988 leading to a spike in prices to $36.83. However, prices fell again due to demand shocks as well as increased production by the USSR, which became the world’s largest producer in 1988. Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, leading to the Gulf War. This created a major supply shock that led to prices shooting up from $14.98 per barrel before the war to $41.00 in September 1991.

The 1990s witnessed wild price fluctuations. The Soviet Union fell in 1991, precipitating the collapse of the Russian oil sector with production halving over the next decade mainly due to reduced investments. However, global demand also tumbled in 1997 due to the Asian financial crisis but managed to recover by the turn of the century after the region’s economic outlook improved. 

This next decade witnessed some of the most spectacular explosions in oil prices.

New Uncertainty & Technology: 2003 - today

The US invaded Iraq in 2003 leading to supply uncertainties. This was further compounded by massive demand growth by Asia and China. Consequently, prices jumped from $28.38 per barrel in July 2000 to $146.02 in July 2008.

From here prices fell due to the global financial crisis of 2008 before staging a comeback. The Arab Spring of 2011 created supply shortages and helped push prices to $126.48 per barrel.

Technological advancements in recent times have significantly altered the global oil landscape. Hydraulic fracturing has pushed the US to the top of the pack once again, reducing the influence of OPEC and depressing prices. Flooding of the market by US shale has led to a sharp drop in global oil prices, from $114.84 per barrel in June 2014 to $28.47 in January 2016. OPEC has tried to ameliorate the glut by teaming up with non-OPEC countries such as Russia to implement production cuts. Consequently, prices have recovered somewhat but have never approached levels seen in the past decade.

The Future?

With the US now acting as the new ‘swing producer’ OPEC’s influence and ability to control prices is likely to remain diminished. The unresolved trade war between the US and China as well as geopolitical uncertainty in Iran, Syria and other countries has helped encourage prices from their 2016 lows of below $30 per barrel to $54.70 in October 2019. But with continued high levels of shale production and a weakening global economy, prices are expected to remain subdued with prices projected to average $66 a barrel in 2019 and $65 a barrel in 2020.

Source: Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

Lessons from fuelling the Harvest 2019

23/09/2019 01/07/2026

This harvest has seen a number of queries raised regarding fuel and tractor performance by a small number of agricultural customers through their buying groups.

In an article published in Farming Weekly Mr C Townsend explained that this harvest he was changing the fuel filters on his tractor every 100 hours, rather than the usual 500 hours, as filter blockages caused low fuel pressure engine management error codes on his machinery. 

“As soon as the fuel pressure drops, it shuts the power down and stops you using it.”

Mr Townsend said the problem had become so frequent he was now driving around with spare fuel filters in the tractor cab so he could replace them more quickly and restore the fuel pressure to the engine. 

Although CPS Fuels were not the fuel supplier in this instance, Anglia Farmers as the purchasing group, have shared this information with Farming Weekly and other reports with us so that we could assist them in investigating the queries and resolving the issues. Framingham Farmers have also been active in it's investigation and recently produced a statement on it's findings to date:

• This is a nationwide problem, not restricted to East Anglia, or one fuel supplier/customer.
• Framlingham Farmers have taken samples and had them independently tested, and these test results confirm the fuel is up to UK standard.

CPS Fuels, as a as a JET authorised distributor with the backing and support of Phillips P66,  have been quick to assist the agricultural community and investigate the queries.

We have also had samples of Gas Oil analysed to test the validity of the comments being made, and are pleased to report that our Gas Oil, supplied this season and taken from sites where queries were raised, was proven to meet the specification BS2869. Results on other samples undertaken by farming groups can be found here. 

During our research we have found that a number of filter manufacturers have revised the suggested replacement schedules to ensure that the performance of the modern diesel engines is maintained during the high work demand period that harvest dictates.

The experience of Mr Townsend, with his error codes and subsequent filter replacement to restore performance, confirms the need for a revised schedule during periods of intensive machinery use. The article published in Farming Weekly  goes on to explain that in a letter to Mr Townsend, the fuel supplier Certas Energy said test results of fuel samples from a number of customers showed that all fuel was on specification. This it true of all testing, irrespective of supplier, or laboratory.  

“Certas Energy have taken this issue very seriously and have investigated our supply chain to understand if any issues have been caused. “We have received certificates of quality from our suppliers that also confirms all fuel delivered into Certas Energy tanks was on spec and to government standards. Certas concluded " fuel quality has not been found to be the issue.”

CPS Fuels' investigations have produced the same conclusion - the quality of the Gas Oil supplied is not the problem. Our experience with EN590 Gas Oil, FAME, and fuel storage coupled with a complete examination of the fuel journey including storage whilst in our customers' care has enabled us to research more of the potential causes of the performance issue.

Modern machinery offers higher performance ratings than more traditional kit. A significant proportion of this additional perfomance from the same basic engine design is achieved by more turbo boost combined with increased fuel injector and rail pressure. The peak volume of fuel required to feed the engine has increased considerably across most machinery manufacturers with the volume consumed per hour being considerably higher.

The engine and fuel management systems are more sophisticated and able to maximise the efficiency of the engine under load whilst ensuring exhaust emissions are minimised. Unfortunately the systems are both working harder and are more sensitive to fuel supply interuptions or partial starvation. Both are likley to throw engine codes because the desired fuelling for the engine load is compromised, and sufficient fuel flow will not be restored until the filter is changed and the capacity is restored. This highlights the compromise inherant in measuring filter life in hours rather than based on volume throughput. 

Additionally whilst both delivering to and researching the storage arrangements on farms it has become apparent that a number of fuel tanks, filters and pumps are below the standards suggested for the storage of modern fuels with bio components. 

Fuel distributors, refiners and tank manufacturers all have information available to assist in the safe, secure and long term storage of fuels with a bio component. The need for robust fuel tank management will only increase as fuels become more environmentally friendly, with greater precentages of bio blend, to meet clean air targets.  

CPS Fuels have a very experienced tank engineering team who would be pleased to provide help, advice and assistance to all our agricultural customers so they can bring their installations up to scratch and so ensure that the fuel they store is kept and dispensed in the best possible condition.    

To order Gas Oil and farm fuels in Bulk or Barrels click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

CPS Fuels, as a JET authorised distributor, supply marked EN590 grade diesel as Gas Oil so you have the highest quality Gas Oil available irrespective of use. CPS Fuels Gas Oil meets the same BS EN590 specifications as white road diesel and is therefore suitable for use in all farm machinery without the need for fuel treatments or additives. The fuel properties of Gas Oil are adjusted seasonally to maintain good low temperature performance and operability. 

For our CPS Gas Oil information sheet click here. 

Phillips P66: Gas Oil safety data sheet & Gas Oil marketing specification sheet

Oil prices soar after attacks halve Saudi output

16/09/2019 01/07/2026

Oil prices surged by nearly 20% after two attacks on Saudi Arabian facilities on Saturday knocked out more than 5% of the world's supply.

Brent crude, the international benchmark used by oil traders, jumped to $71.95 a barrel at one point.

US oil prices also spiked, but both trimmed gains as President Donald Trump authorised the release of US reserves.

The strike, which the US blames on Iran, has sparked fears of increased risk to energy supplies in the region.

After slipping back from its earlier highs, Brent crude is now trading nearly 11% higher at $66.72 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate is up 10% at $60.60 after rising as much as 15% earlier.

The drone attacks on plants in the heartland of Saudi Arabia's oil industry hit the world's biggest petroleum-processing facility as well as a nearby oil field, both of which are operated by energy giant Aramco.

Together they account for about 50% of Saudi Arabia's oil output, or 5% of daily global oil production. It could take weeks before the facilities are fully back on line.

The oil price has seen the biggest one-day rise since the 1991 Gulf War, rising 20% but falling back later.

The Tuesday morning market:

Tuesday Market Update:

Oil prices are trading higher once again this morning as traders continue to buy oil following the major attack on Saudi Aramco's key crude processing facility on Saturday morning.

However, the trading is not as aggressive this morning due to the measured comments coming from the US and it's President , Donald Trump. Saudi Arabia has declined in importance to the US over the past two decades as the volume of fuel imported from the region has been reduced dramatically and because the US believe the September 11th terrorists came from the Kingdom. 

Last night President Trump said that "he has not promised protection to the Saudi's but would certainly help them." and added that "he is not looking to get into a new conflict but sometimes you have to."

Mr Trump went on to say that "he is in no rush to respond to the attacks, oil prices have not risen too much in the wake of the attacks on the Saudi oil plants." President Trump said that the US can release oil from the US's emergency reserves and bring prices down but other countries could "be a little more generous".

We think that the US regard this crisis as a Saudi problem brought about by their own failure to monitor and protect their vital oil processing assets, and whilst they are prepared to support allies they are probably remain reluctant to get more involved. 

Source: Oil prices soar after attacks on Saudi facilities - BBC News

To find out more about what moves the oil markets see our handy CPS Fuels guide to Heating Oil Prices  - Heating Oil Prices Explained

At CPS Fuels we constantly check our prices to ensure we're giving you the best deal possible for your home heating oil.

CPS Fuels is proud to be an approved JET distributor, giving our customers the benefit of JET’s brand and product security, delivered by friendly people with great local knowledge.

Please get in touch to discuss your home heating requirements. We're here to help any way we can.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Britain braces for one of its COLDEST winters in 30 years

11/09/2019 01/07/2026

According to the Daily Mail Online Britain needs to brace itself for one of its coldest winters in 30 years as 'Beast from East' is predicted to make a return. 

• January-February 2020 could rank as seventh coldest winter in past 30 years according advanced forecast

Analysing current sea temperatures and weather systems over the north Atlantic scientists are able to predict what is to head our way in four month's time - and it's going to be very cold.

Freezing Arctic air is set to descend on the UK in the first months of next year as the Gulf stream will sidestep Britain, leaving us without the rise in temperature it normally brings to the British Isles from the Atlantic and Caribbean sea.

• Scientists are able to predict four months in advance analysing affects of sunlight and pressures on jet stream

Despite the weather forecast being very premature, four months before this weather is set to hit, the extreme weather predictions were spotted by climate prediction experts at University College London

But before the cold blast, warmer weather is on the way, with some forecasters suggesting it could turn out to be the hottest September on record, with highs of 80F.

The team, led by professor Mark Saunders, told The Sunday Times:

'This would rank the 2020 January-February central England temperature as the coldest winter since 2013 and January-February 2020 as the seventh coldest winter in the past 30 years.'

However the predictions, which attempt one of the longest-range forecasts in history, are not set in stone - with scientists claiming there's a '57 per cent chance the central England temperature will be colder than in 2018'.

Studying the jet stream has long been an indicator of weather to come, but new methods used by UCL researchers, measuring changes in sunlight and other factors that affect the 200mph Gulf stream, has allowed predictions to be made much further ahead.

With Britain's hottest temperature on record, 101.66F (38.7C),  recorded at Cambridge University Botanic Garden in July, the UK may now be set to experience one of its harshest winters yet.

• Britain's hottest temperature on record, 101.66F (38.7C), was recorded in July, now the UK may be set to experience one of its harshest winters

CPS Fuels is proud to be an approved JET distributor, giving our customers the benefit of JET’s brand and product security, delivered by friendly people with great local knowledge.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

New Depot for CPS Fuels opens near Reading

31/01/2019 01/07/2026

CPS Fuels now delivers to customers across West Surrey, North East Hampshire, West Sussex, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, building on its already strong reputation for customer service in East Anglia and beyond.

The new depot will open with two delivery tankers based at the site and will add significant capacity to distribute to homes and businesses over a sizeable new geographical area. 

Steve Archer, operations manager for CPS Fuels in the South East, commented:

“We’re delighted to be opening a CPS Fuels depot in Theale and extending our service to more homes and businesses around Reading and beyond. The location offers excellent access to local areas and a reliable supply of fuel to keep our domestic customers warm and our commercial customers in business.”

The new site will join CPS Fuel's network of fuel depots in East Anglia and South East England and build on the company’s already strong reputation for customer service in East Anglia and beyond by providing more of the South East region with dependable local heating oil and fuel deliveries. To speak to your local friendly depot team call Newbury 01635 926606 now.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

CPS Fuels - the new leading fuel supplier for Reading, Guildford, Basingstoke, Newbury and Didcot

Oftec and Citizens Advice given scam awareness advice

10/06/2019 01/07/2026

UK Households given scam awareness advice as part of national campaign

UK Households are urged to be vigilant when having work done to their heating system to avoid falling victim to non-qualified technicians or dishonest pricing tactics.

The call comes at the start of Scams Awareness 2019 (10-23 June), a national campaign which aims to raise awareness of the types of fraud taking place and what individuals and families can do to protect themselves.

A recent survey revealed that over 3,648 UK households fell victim to a scam in 2018, a 12% increase from the previous year*. The most common scams included bank and credit card, consumer and retail fraud.

In response OFTEC, which represents the oil heating industry, has joined the Citizens Advice Scams Awareness campaign to provide local households with guidance on how to ensure a technician they employ is professionally qualified.

The advice includes:
 

• 'Look out for the badge' - ask to see an official ID badge which proves their professional credentials and double check with their professional registration body

• Get multiple written quotes for the work and be cautious of saying yes to significantly cheaper options – this can sometimes be a warning sign

• Ask about previous work they have done, what types of heating systems they are qualified to service and check for online reviews and recommendations

• Keep a paper trail and make sure you double-check any agreements before signing

• If you have concerns, speak with a family member, friend or contact OFTEC (for oil heating) or GasSafe (for mains gas) for advice

Source: Oftec Press release

The Eagles have landed!

02/04/2019 01/07/2026

Norwich Eagles are the junior section of Norwich Water Polo Club. The club has over 20 active members under the age of 16 ranging from complete beginners to East region squad players.

Their lead coach wrote to Mister C explaining that they needed a full set of new water polo hats, thirty in total, for an upcoming tournament.

We stepped in to buy the entire team new hats, allowing them to compete in the Eastern region tournament against junior teams from clubs across East Anglia.

As a good local cause who train at Wymondham Leisure Centre, close to our Wymondham Depot, we were delighted to be able to make a contribution towards this group of healthy and active kids. 

We also know just how tough it is for local sports clubs and communities to continue to thrive, and the sacrifices that many volunteers make to ensure the sports clubs continue to run.

For us at CPS Fuels, we are connected to our community through our local depots and we are passionate about supporting fantastic local causes with much needed equipment.

If you know of a fantastic local sports club that we could support, we would love to hear from them and we have a page dedicated to supporting local kids in our community -

https://www.cpsfuels.co.uk/supporting-local-kids

Or if you want to find out more about Water Polo in the UK or about Norwich Water Polo Club, click on the links to get involved.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Mister C's Christmas Colouring Competition Winner

16/01/2019 01/07/2026

Mister C loves his Christmas colour and sparkle.

Thank you to all our colouring competition entrants. You have really brighten up the festive season at CPS Fuels HQ.

After much deliberation Mister C has picked his favourite.

George, who lives in a village near our Stowmarket depot, has been declared the winner and Mister C has sent you your prize of £50 today, along with a T shirt. 

Thank you to all who entered. Your badges, fridge magnets and keyrings are in the post and should be landing on your doormats soon.

Fake News: No oil boilers by 2030

11/01/2019 01/07/2026

OFTEC and FPS say claims that oil heating will be banned by 2030 are ‘false’ and are urging rural organisations to ‘ignore misleading claims’ from renewable heating suppliers.

Schools, businesses and other organisations in rural, off-gas grid areas are being advised that claims that ‘oil heating will be outlawed by 2030’ are false, following reports that a number have been targeted by renewable heating solution providers, encouraging them to switch to alternative systems ahead of the ‘deadline’.

Approximately 1.5 million households in the UK use oil for heating. A further estimate of 250,000 commercial oil boilers are installed in premises such as schools, warehouses and hospitals in off mains gas areas.

OFTEC and the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) have been contacted by several educational establishments concerned about their future options for heating after reading the claims made in promotional brochures and online.

Although the Government’s Clean Growth Strategy, published by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) in October 2017, includes a broad ambition to end the installation of new, high carbon fossil fuel heating, no specific policy proposals have been developed in this area.

There are also no plans to ban the use of existing high carbon fossil fuel heating systems.

As a result, both organisations have referred the matter to the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA).

OFTEC CEO Paul Rose said: “Naturally the schools were worried about these false claims which led them to believe they would need to switch to other forms of heating in the near future. This information is untrue. “Perhaps unsurprisingly, the misleading marketing material also fails to mention that our industry is currently working to develop low carbon liquid biofuels. These would directly replace kerosene and enable oil heating customers to significantly reduce carbon emissions without the need for expensive – and often impractical – appliance changes. “We are concerned the misinformation may have been sent to many other organisations and hope that, with greater awareness, the myths can be dispelled.”

FPS CEO Guy Pulham also highlighted the need for government to ensure consumers and businesses are not misled. He said: “For rural businesses to make informed investment plans, they need clear, accurate guidance. It’s essential that the Government sets out clear decarbonisation policies and takes action to prevent the kind of false claims we’ve highlighted in this case. “It’s also vital that consumers and rural businesses are consulted as part of a debate about the best ways to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions”.

There are also no plans to ban the use of existing high carbon fossil fuel heating systems and as a result, both organisations have referred the matter to the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA).

Source: HIP Magazine

OFTEC (the Oil Firing Technical Association) is the trade and marketing body for the oil fired heating and cooking industry in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

The Federation of Petroleum Suppliers (FPS) Limited is the Trade Association for the UK Oil Distribution Industry

Shorter AGA service intervals? CPS Fuels Information Sheet

27/04/2017 01/07/2026

Are you experiencing shorter service intervals with your AGA?

The national print, radio, and in some instances television have recently been reporting on a problem concerning AGA type cookers (vapourising burners). For years it has been implied that the shorter service intervals may be a regional or even national problem, but the focus has nearly always been on supply, rather than the applicence, but could the “problem” have a very simple solution?

The by-product, carbon, is produced when heating oil (kerosene) vaporises from its liquid form into a gaseous state. This process is known as “cracking”, and it begins from the moment the burner is ignited. Over time a black carbon deposit can build up with the older designs of cooker often more prone than the modern equivalents.

Due to high call out charges, or increased annual maintenance contract costs, aga owners have sought and found, or found and shared free or low cost DIY solutions and fixes, on websites, forums, and blogs. Despite many reports and rumours about the cause of this particular problem, often called the Aga saga, there can only ever be two problems that will actually affect the combustion process.

The appliance and it’s installation:

Firstly, check the condition of your flue (the exhaust duct for smoke and waste gases). You may have recently had your flue cowl replaced with that of a different design, there may be a restriction blocking the chimney such as tree branches or the erection of a new building. If the area around the flue has been changed in any way, it could seriously affect the climatic conditions enjoyed by your cooker, which in turn will affect the combustion and the temperature around the burner and carbon leg. If the fuel vaporises in the carbon leg, carbon will “crack” prematurely and form here instead of the correct area (the vaporising chamber of the burner) and will only need a piece of carbon the size of an apple seed to cause a blockage whereas a teaspoon full formed in the correct place would not have any affect. A taller chimney is advantageous over a shorter one as the higher the flue pull, the cooler the carbon leg is kept, meaning it is less likely to create a gathering of carbon in the wrong place. The downside to having a higher chimney is that you might use more fuel to maintain oven temperatures.

The oil supply being burned by the appliance:

The second element to check is the more commonly blamed problem; fuel and by inference it’s quality. Since the early 80’s there has been a problem with premature carboning with vaporising burners. Although the oil companies have regularly been blamed for providing “dirty oil” to customers, this isn’t the case. Nearly every year the EU directives on sulphur reduction become tighter, helping to lower the amount of environmental pollution. If a problem can be fixed by adjusting the feed of oil to the appliance (possibly as simple as cleaning the oil filter on the tank) or making an adjustment to the flow rate inside the AGA then the oil should not be blamed. “Bad oil” cannot be changed to “good oil” by changing the flow rate, as it is the same oil.

It is important to note that the AGA brand of cooker is handmade and performance will therefore naturally have a slight fluctuation from model to model. The environment, your installation, its operation, and it’s maintenance will all affect the model’s delivery of heating and cooking times.

The Federation of Petroleum Supplier and Oftec produced an Appliance Combustion Issues Industry Briefing note back in 2009 which can be found here: Appliance Combustion Issues Briefing Note 2009

Is your domestic heating oil tank covered by your home insurance?

18/10/2018 01/07/2026

_{Do you have sufficient Insurance cover?}

Many home insurance policies do not include repairs or incidents involving your heating oil tank in the standard cover. You should be covered for loss of fuel through theft and oil spills, and the environmental clean-up of your property and any adjacent land in the unlikely event of a leak.

A spill of kerosene from your heating oil tank can be dangerous for the water environment, human health and the wider environment.

_{Reasons an oil tank might leak:}

Oil tanks and pipework can leak for a variety of reasons; the most common are:

 - Failures of the tank body due to rust (metal) or splits (plastic) from UV damage.

  - Damage to equipment on the tank such as sight gauges

 - Failure of components at the boiler end of the system, such as flexible hoses

_{Who is responsible for a leak?}

It is the responsibility of anyone who uses and stores hazardous substances to ensure the substance is contained and used in a way that won’t result in leakage. They are made responsible for cleaning up any spills and dealing with the consequences and costs of that clean up by the Environment Agency.

Whether you own or rent a house with a domestic oil tank, it is well advised that you have home insurance in place to cover costs associated with all aspects of the assessment and clean-up of a spill. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and check that your oil tank is covered for oil loss and damage.

CPS Fuels work with Anglia Heating Solutions to offer an extensive range of oil tank services. AHS can offer new storage tank installation on your premises, to replacement of an existing tank, or simply the safe removal and licensed disposal of a disused tank and/or its fuel contents.

To earn more about your domestic oil tank and heating oil tanks in general CPS Fuels have produced this handy guide: CPS Fuels guide to Domestic Heating Oil Tanks - Heating Oil Tank FAQ’s

CPS Fuels is proud to be an approved JET distributor, giving our customers the benefit of JET’s brand and product security, delivered by friendly people with great local knowledge.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Are You Eligible For Winter Fuel Payment?

16/10/2018 01/07/2026

If you were born on or before 5 November 1953 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

You usually get a Winter Fuel Payment automatically if you are eligible and you get the State Pension or another social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit).

If you’re eligible but do not get paid automatically, you will need to make a claim.

The deadline for claiming payments for winter 2018 to 2019 is 31 March 2019

Most payments are made automatically between November and December. You should get your money by 14 January 2019.

If you do not get your payment, call the office that pays your benefits – their details are on any letters they sent you.

Any money you get will not affect your other benefits.

_Eligibility

You qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment if both the following apply:

• you were born on or before 5 November 1953
• you lived in the UK for at least one day during the week of 17 to 23 September 2018 – this is called the ‘qualifying week’

If you did not live in the UK during the qualifying week, you might still get the payment if both the following apply:

• you live in Switzerland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country
• you have a genuine link with the UK social security system, such as having lived or worked in the UK for most of your life

You can not get the payment if you live in Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain because the average winter temperature is higher than the warmest region of the UK.

_{When you will not qualify}

You will not qualify if you:

• are in hospital getting free treatment for more than a year
• need permission to enter the UK and your granted leave states that you can not claim public funds
• were in prison for the whole week between 17 to 23 September 2018
• lived in a care home for the whole time between 25 June and 17 September 2018, and got Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Source: GOV.UK

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Trustpilot feedback earns CPS Fuels a 5 star rating

24/09/2018 01/07/2026

In March CPS Fuels teamed up with TrustPilot to collect reviews and feedback on our fuel ordering and delivery service. Our rating was 8.2 at the start of April but we have worked hard to improve all elements of our customer and delivery service by listening to the feedback received and acting on your suggestions.   

This week our total reviews clicked over 1234 and our rating rose to an "Excellent" 9 allowing us to display TrustPilot's 5 stars. 

We get a warm feeling inside when customers say nice things about us, and your reviews drive us to try harder everyday, delivering more than just fuel, but the best service we can as well. Some highlights from this weekend have been:

David W about his First Fuel delivery

"Thank you for a very good service, very polite and efficient delivery driver.

The driver rang for instructions on location and gave an estimation of how long he would be until he arrived, he arrived 3 minutes before his estimated time. The whole delivery took less than 15 minutes, he cleaned any drips from the nozzle, put pipes away, then brought my invoice to sign. Job done!
One other thing, I was told it could be up to 10 days for delivery, my fuel was delivered in 4 days. Thank you CPS." 

And from Christine

"When I ordered the oil I spoke to a very nice lady, who made me feel like a valued customer, even though I had not ordered oil from yourselves before.

Oil was delivered within a few days of ordering.

Well done and Thank you ."

So we are proud of our 5 star rating, committed to learning more, working harder, improving and delivering to you the best service we can.

Publishing timely and honest feedback where our service has not met our customers’ expectations also gives all customers reassurance that we not only value their opinions, but also act quickly to resolve issues.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Oh Snow not again!

28/09/2018 01/07/2026

We always keep a keen eye on the weather forecasts here at CPS Fuels and currently the papers are reporting that this winter could be an exceptionally cold one. According to The Express and The Sun, this winter could be colder and snowier than normal because this year’s El Nino looks to have the potentail to be more powerful and disruptive than normal.

Meteorologists at the Exacta Weather have suggested that long range models and predictions show the potential for widespread snowfall as early as December, with others predicting that conditions could mirror those of the 2009/2010 winter which was so long and chilly it was dubbed ‘The Big Freeze’. Unfortunately during that winter many customers failed to keep an adequate eye on their heating oil tanks, with a few running their stock very low and in some cases running out.

Should that cold weather hit again then we recommend checking you oil levels regularly and ordering your heating oil in plenty of time. CPS Fuels have produced this handy help guide to checking your levels, staying warm and taking the stress out of heating your home this winter, however cold it gets.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

To top up your tank with low cost heating oil click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Where will Oil Prices Go? Up or Down?

10/09/2018 01/07/2026

While benchmark oil prices ticked lower this week, continuing a slide from nearly their highest point in four years we take a look at what way the price could go.

It appears the consensus among analysts is that the downturn is merely temporary. Rising global demand for oil, renewed U.S. sanctions on Iran, shrinking production and exports from Venezuela and a new regulation that’s expected to cause a surge in demand for diesel fuel will likely drive oil prices higher in the coming months.

Although economic slowdown sparked by the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, for example, could be among the factors that cause prices to slip, rather than climb.

Few analysts expect prices to drop anytime soon: Russia, Saudi Arabia and other major OPEC producers, reliant on oil revenues for their budgets, have largely adhered to self-imposed production caps aimed at stabilizing prices.

Prices could slip as U.S. sanctions on Iran go into place, Saudi Arabia may ramp up production to steal market share from its Persian Gulf rival, thereby putting more supply on the market and potentially suppressing prices.

President Donald Trump’s trade spat with China, and similar trade disputes with Canada, Mexico and the European Union, could cause prices to fall as well, mainly by causing a slowdown in economic activity and, therefore, demand for oil.

At the minute prices appear to be in a good position, high enough to allow drillers to bring operations back online and keep pace with rising demand but not so high that a number of rigs rush into service all at once, flooding markets and causing prices to drop.

Many analysts believe prices will continue climbing: Rising global demand, a decrease in supply from Iran due to U.S. sanctions, falling production and exports from Venezuela as a result of the country’s economic crisis and ongoing pipeline constraints in certain regions of the U.S. could allow demand to catch up with supply.

So in conclusion, are prices going to rise or fall?

The Oil Business is very unpredictable– and no matter what independent analysts might suggest, no one knows exactly where crude prices will go.The answer quite simply is – it’s anyone’s guess. 

At CPS Fuels we constantly check our prices to ensure we're giving you the best deal possible for your home heating oil.

CPS Fuels is proud to be an approved JET distributor, giving our customers the benefit of JET’s brand and product security, delivered by friendly people with great local knowledge.

Please get in touch to discuss your home heating requirements. We're here to help any way we can.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Domestic Heating Oil sector thriving as demand for expertise grows

06/08/2018 01/07/2026

OFTEC registration figures have hit a five year high and are continuing to rise, underlining the increasing value both technicians and consumers are placing on professional qualifications.

The continued low price of oil compared to electricity, LPG and renewable heating technologies - the other heating options available to off grid households - has seen demand for oil remain strong with many consumers choosing to stick with, or even switch to oil.

Technicians are capitalising on the popularity of oil by renewing or taking out oil registration for the first time, with OFTEC seeing an increasing number of gas technicians expand into the sector to take advantage of the new business opportunities on offer.

It is anticipated the recent announcement by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) that oil boilers will be included in the next round of the Energy Company Obligation (ECO3), will likely spark a further wave of technicians seeking OFTEC registration which is mandatory to work on the scheme.

OFTEC training manager David Knipe comments: “While many sectors are facing uncertainty about the future, the heating profession is thriving. All the time households need heat and hot water, there will be demand for skilled technicians.

“However, what consumers are looking for is changing. Social media means that incidences of poor workmanship are widely shared and consumers are becoming ever more aware of the risks of employing an unqualified tradesperson. OFTEC registration demonstrates competence and provides homeowners with the peace of mind they are dealing with a professional. This puts those technicians who can legitimately display the OFTEC badge at a distinct advantage when quoting for work.

“With heating technologies evolving and sector and business legislation continually changing, even the most experienced technicians can benefit from OFTEC training and the additional benefits this brings, including free technical advice and regular sector updates. Being able to confidently advise customers on the best solution for their needs could make the difference between winning and losing a job.”

To keep pace with the rise in demand, the number of OFTEC training centres across the country has grown to 88, with the total expected to top 90 by the end of the year.

A career in the heating sector offers job security, flexibility and with no shortage of domestic or commercial work, can also prove financially rewarding. However, the sector’s well-publicised skills shortage means there are simply not enough qualified professionals to go around. This situation could be further exacerbated if EU migration is restricted under the final Brexit deal and the industry has to rely solely on home grown talent.

David Knipe continues: “While the heating sector is booming, the unfortunate consequence is a shortfall of skilled technicians available to take on all the work. We need to encourage more young talent into the industry to plug the gap and ensure we have the next generation of technicians coming through.”

To help address the issue, OFTEC has been working closely with both City and Guilds and BPEC to improve the standard of heating and plumbing apprenticeships as part of government’s ‘Trailblazers’ initiative. The scheme aims is to provide sector businesses and industry with the opportunity to design training to ensure it meets their specific needs.

David Knipe concludes: “Last year, just 1,070 heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration apprenticeships were started in England, accounting for 0.2% of the total number of apprenticeships taken up across the country. This situation needs to change and we are working to make this happen through our involvement with the Trailblazer scheme.

“Apprenticeships can offer an excellent way for businesses to upskill their workforce and expand at low cost. With the Apprenticeship Levy designed to make apprenticeships affordable for all, heating businesses should seriously consider this valuable opportunity.”

"Oil for heating, we take some beating!" says Mister C

To top up your tank with low cost heating oil click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Source: OFTEC press release

OFTEC Welcomes Inclusion of Heating Oil in ECO3

23/07/2018 01/07/2026

OFTEC has welcomed the announcement from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) that heating oil boilers will not be excluded from the next phase of the Energy Company Obligation scheme (ECO3) as initially proposed.

The decision follows responses by OFTEC and other stakeholders to the ECO3 consultation that underlined that removing oil boilers from the scheme would unfairly discriminate against rural households and could lead to even higher levels of fuel poverty.

The new ECO3 legislation, which comes into force on 1 October 2018, will allow limited heating oil boiler delivery to take place within the broken heating system cap and will also allow the repair of broken heating oil boilers within the 5% cap for all boiler repairs. This limit only applies to broken oil boilers not First Time Central Heating (FTCH). Heating Oil boilers will not be allowed under first time central heating (FTCH), district heating, solid walled homes minimum, rural minimum, inefficient heating system replacements or innovation measures.

OFTEC CEO Paul Rose comments:

“This is an important win for low income and vulnerable off-grid households. As the key objective of ECO is to provide affordable warmth and help address fuel poverty, it would have been completely contradictory to exclude the repair or replacement of broken oil appliances when oil heating continues to be the cheapest form of heating available to off-grid households.”

“We fully support the Clean Growth Strategy vision to phase out carbon intensive fuels from 2020 and believe the best way to achieve this for off-grid homes is the introduction of a low carbon liquid fuel alternative to oil which initial testing indicates, could run on existing oil boilers without modification.”

"Oil for heating, we take some beating!" says Mister C

To top up your tank with low cost heating oil click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

Source: OilFiredUp

Price of heating oil soars in the middle of heatwave

06/07/2018 01/07/2026

According to a recent news article from the Consumer Council published on OilFiredUp.com the demand for home heating oil has plummeted as we bask in the sunshine – but prices are soaring.

As the U.K. swelter in Mediterranean temperatures, the price of oil is 39% higher than this time last year, the Consumer Council revealed.

Price comparison services are showing rises of up to £74 for a 500-litre delivery over the past year in Northern Ireland.

In July 2017, according to the Consumer Council, the average cost of a 500-litre oil delivery was £188.70 – but today that figure sits at £261.80.

Economist, Andrew Webb, from Northern Ireland's business advisory firm Baker Tilly Mooney Moore said the current hot spell would have little impact on prices because of activity in the global market.

He said: “Prices have been rising and are probably at their highest for quite some time. We’re back at levels that we would start to get concerned about.”

Richard Williams, head of energy policy for the Consumer Council, said: “Home heating oil prices fluctuate due to a number of factors, making it difficult to predict.”

“The price can be less expensive in the summer as demand is lower during hot weather. However, other factors including changes to the price of crude oil, refining the product, marketing and distribution, and competition from suppliers also influence the price.”

“The price of home heating oil has been steadily rising over the last year and is currently higher than it was in January 2018.”

“Home heating oil is also 39% more expensive today than it was at the same time last year.”

In its most recent statement, the Northern Ireland Oil Federation anticipated the cost of a barrel of oil would rise to $80 (£60.50) this summer. At this time it sits at $77 (£58.23).

David Blevings at the Federation said: “We are seeing an increase in local fuel prices. This is a result of inflated crude and wholesale fuel prices due to the current round of sabre rattling in the Middle East.”

“Any sign of discontent in this region is usually bad news for oil prices as the threat of reduced supply spooks the market and pushes prices up.”

Blevings also said that with countries threatening to tighten supplies further, prices could go higher.

Whilst prices are currently reflecting the global oil market the team at CPS Fuels constantly check prices to ensure we're giving you the best deal possible for your home heating oil. To find out more about home heating oil prices click here.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

CPS Fuels guide to Heating Oil Prices - Heating Oil Prices Explained

25/06/2018 01/07/2026

In the UK the price of heating oil varies due to a number of key factors.

_{1. Global, National & Local Supply}

Oil supply can be affected by anything from local weather conditions to worldwide political conflicts.

When global oil production levels fall below global demand levels, a shortage in supply is created, forcing the up the cost of importing heating oil up. As the importer has to pay more the increased cost is forced along the supply chain meaning your local heating oil supplier will have to increase their prices too.

_{2. Crude Oil Prices}

The amount of crude oil produced by members of OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) has a direct effect on global crude oil prices. As heating oil or 'kerosene' is refined from crude oil as the price of crude oil rises so will the cost of kerosene.

_{3. Weather Events}

Heating oil prices can increase dramatically during extreme weather events. Severe cold weather snaps and winter storms in the UK, or abroad, have a direct effect on demand and the price of heating oil will typically increase as people stock up and use more fuel during these times.

Delivery and access can also prove much trickier during adverse weather conditions which can also increase the overall cost of your home fuel delivery.

_{4. Changing Seasons}

Demand for heating oil in the UK is greatest between the months of October to March as seasonal temperatures drop and the need to keep our homes warmer increases.  The warmer weather of Spring and Summer sees a significant drop in the demand for fuel.

Timing your purchases to get the best heating oil price in line with the change in seasons can save you money on your home heating bills.

_{5. Distribution & Delivery Costs}

Heating oil delivery costs will vary depending on how far your property is located from your nearest depot and the ease of accessing the area in which you are based. CPS Fuels have a range of delivery vehicles to suit most delivery situations. If you're worried about a delivery you can call us on 01953 713950

At CPS Fuels we constantly check our prices to ensure we're giving you the best deal possible for your home heating oil.

CPS Fuels is proud to be an approved JET distributor, giving our customers the benefit of JET’s brand and product security, delivered by friendly people with great local knowledge.

Please get in touch to discuss your home heating requirements. We're here to help any way we can.

Oil for heating, we take some beating!

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

RTFO and FAME advice sheet

18/06/2018 01/07/2026

_Background

The use of biodiesel is driven by both European and UK legislation. In Europe, this is known as the EU Renewable Energy Directive and is supported by UK legislation (generated by the Energy Act of 2004) known as the Renewable Fuel Transport Obligation (RTFO) which since 2008 has set the volume target for renewable fuels in the UK supply chain. In April 2018, the percentage of fuels derived from renewable sources increased to 7.25%.  From January 1st, 2019 this percentage will rise to 8.50% and continue to increase up to 12.40% by 2032.

Suppliers have obligations to meet these targets, but how they meet these obligations is up to them (increasing ethanol in petrol, purchasing tickets to cover the shortfall - the more expensive option – or adding FAME to sulphur free gasoil also known as SFGO).

The British Standard for non-road diesel (known as BS2869) was revised in 2006 to allow the addition of FAME to both classes of middle distillate fuel, however this was rarely realised.  Then the EU Fuel Quality Directive was implemented in the UK on the 14 January 2011 introducing changes to the composition of SFGO.   Fuels intended for use in non-road mobile machinery (NRMM e.g. tractors) will have a sulphur content of 10ppm.

With the new RTFO changes, all our suppliers have told us that they cannot now guarantee that their SFGO will be FAME free. Also because many distribution terminals only have facilities to handle and store three grades of distillate fuel so it is possible that road diesel (including FAME) will now be marked and supplied for NRMM use.

_{What is FAME?}

Biodiesel is a diesel replacement fuel, which in the UK is manufactured mostly from feedstocks of recycled cooking oils but may also be made of a variety of blends of other renewable and recyclable material including tallow (animal) fats and plant oils. The biodiesel manufacturing process converts these oils and fats into long chain molecules. These molecules are also referred to as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters and are more commonly referred to as “FAME”. FAME has been blended into UK road fuel since 2004 in levels up to 7%.

FAME is a powerful solvent, with good detergency properties. Unlike diesel, FAME is “hydroscopic” which means it attracts and holds onto water.

_{Potential Problems}

There is considerable experience within the automotive sector and oil industry regarding the use of FAME in diesel and much of this will have some relevance to SFGO. The main issues to be aware of include: -

•            Material incompatibility (many common rubbers, plastics and surface coatings will degrade from contact with fuels containing FAME) 

•            Residual deposits causing clogged filters

•            Water uptake - with enhanced potential for mould, bacteria and algae growth

•            Fuel stability (may degrade over time by oxidation and hydrolysis)

•            Cold flow waxing and precipitation problems   

_Preparation

Ideally, before taking a delivery of any bio fuel, the tank should be cleaned internally. Solid deposits, mould growth and water build up or ingress should be removed as efficiently as possible. This may require specialist tank cleaning service.

If it is not possible to undertake a full clean before receipt of the first delivery, then it is advised that a thorough inspection of the tank’s condition and suitability is undertaken and recorded. This should include the construction material(s), age, condition and appearance of the tank, any damaged areas and surface coating(s). Any obvious deficiencies or concerns should be remedied as a matter of priority.

_{Ongoing Housekeeping}

There is a risk of microbial growth for all distillate fuels, but the biodegradable nature of biofuel blends is thought to heighten this risk. Therefore, more regular tank checks will be required, (due to FAME’s strong detergency, solvent and hydroscopic properties) compared with those of purely hydrocarbon fuels.

Tanks should be examined for signs of degradation in structure, material or coating. Prompt and appropriate removal or remedial action must be taken for any water, dirt, mould or growth present in the tank. 

Note: tanks that don't already have drain points for removing water are likely to need modification. Examine sight gauges on older fuel storage tanks for signs of leakage and replace any leaking seals.

Filters should be examined at frequent intervals and fuel filters replaced after two or three deliveries.

Pipework, seals, pumps and other components must be checked continually for signs of actual, or potential, oil leaks and, if found, remedial work and/or material replacement undertaken immediately.

If you are having tanks serviced before you receive the new fuel it would be advisable to replace fuel seals as a one-off, precautionary exercise.

Most NRMM engines, maintained in compliance with manufacturer’s service guidelines, are fully compatible with fuel containing FAME in the proportion found in fuel. However, some fuel system components on older engines, including seals and pipes, may not be compatible.

_Storage

Water is possibly the biggest problem with regards to SFGO containing biodiesel. Therefore, all effort must be made to safeguard any tanks or containers from water ingress by rain or moisture in the air as well as regularly draining any water off. Additionally, keeping a tank brim-full ensures that there is little air left in a tank to draw moisture out of.  Once in a fuel, water brings about increased corrosion of equipment and worse, allows bacteria to breed.

To reduce these risks, many industry webpages suggest that biodiesel (and therefore bio SFGO) has a limited shelf life and some suggest it is best to avoid storing FAME blends for more than six months. 

_{Things to consider:}

•            Ideally, undertake a full, professional clean of your tank ahead of the first delivery of a bio blend.

•            At least initiate an immediate check on the tank checking condition and suitability. This should include the construction material, pipework and seals. Any obvious deficiency or damage must be remedied.

•            Subsequently check the tanks often and have a regular maintenance programme.

•            Keep the fuel clean and dry and top up the tank to reduce air which can draw moisture.

•            If you find sediment or bacterial growth seek professional help.

•            Home remedies such as fungicides or microbiological killers may do more harm in the long run. Those that do work may kill the bacteria but the dead growth on the bottom of tank can also build up and cause issues.

•            Buy your fuel direct from a reputable distributor.

To order Gas Oil and farm fuels in Bulk or Barrels click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

FAME in Gas Oil: What this means to Gas Oil users

15/06/2018 01/07/2026

Background and RTFO:

Twelve years ago, in 2006, the British Standard for non-road diesel (BS2869) was revised to allow the addition of FAME to both Gas Oil (Red Diesel) and Road Diesel (White Diesel). This was done to enable renewable fuels to be introduced into the UK under the Renewable Fuel Transport Obligation (RTFO). However this was rarely realised in UK Gas Oil supply chain, and to date most Gas Oil supplied by has been FAME free.

In January 2011 the EU Fuel Quality Directive was implemented in the UK which introduced changes to the composition of Gas Oil. Fuels intended for use in non-road mobile machinery (NRMM e.g. tractors) were required to have a sulphur content of 10ppm, and were known as ULSGO or Ultra Low Sulphur Gas Oil. Compliance was largely achieved through the “downgrading” of White (Road) Diesel and so the Gas Oil supplied did not need to contain FAME.

Changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) now mean that tougher new biofuel targets have come into force (effective 15th April 2018) which will compel all suppliers of fuel into the UK market to contain at least 12.4% biofuel by 2032. The scheme achieves this in stages, 7.25 % now, and 9.75 % from the 1^st January 2019. With the new RTFO changes, none of our suppliers cannot now guarantee that their SFGO will be FAME free, so we must all take steps to minimise the disruption that the addition of FAME may cause.

What is FAME?

Biodiesel is a diesel replacement fuel, which in the UK is manufactured from mostly recycled cooking oils but may also be made of a variety of blends of renewable and recyclable material including tallow (animal) fats and plant oils. The biodiesel manufacturing process converts these oils and fats into long chain molecules. These molecules are also referred to as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters and are more commonly referred to as “FAME”. FAME has been blended into UK road fuel since 2004 in levels up to 7%, but was not blended into non-road fuel due to cost.

FAME is a powerful solvent, with good detergency properties – it is effectively a paint stripper! Unlike diesel, FAME is “hydroscopic” which means it attracts and holds onto water.

Learn from CPS Fuels:

When FAME was introduced into Road Diesel the automotive sector and oil industry learnt very quickly how it impacted on the supply chain that distributed it and the vehicles running it. Much of this considerable experience will now have relevance to Gas Oil users.

The main issues to be aware of are:

• Material incompatibility (many common rubbers, plastics and surface coatings will degrade from contact with fuels containing FAME) 
• Residual deposits causing clogged filters
• Water uptake - with enhanced potential for mould, bacteria and algae growth
• Fuel stability (may degrade over time by oxidation and hydrolysis)
• Cold flow waxing and precipitation problems   

These issues can affect storage tanks and pumps both on and off the machines using the fuel.

For further advice on being prepared for FAME please contact the CPS Fuels Commercial team who will be pleased to help. Click here for an information sheet explaining more.

To order Gas Oil and farm fuels in Bulk or Barrels click or call CPS Fuels now.

We’re local, we’re best, we’re CPS.

CPS Fuels, as a JET authorised distributor, supply marked EN590 grade diesel as Gas Oil so you have the highest quality Gas Oil available irrespective of use. CPS Fuels Gas Oil meets the same BS EN590 specifications as white road diesel and is therefore suitable for use in all farm machinery without the need for fuel treatments or additives. The fuel properties of Gas Oil are adjusted seasonally to maintain good low temperature performance and operability. 

For our CPS Gas Oil information sheet click here. 

Phillips P66: Gas Oil safety data sheet & Gas Oil marketing specification sheet