Summer vs Winter
Is it Cheaper to Buy Heating Oil in Summer instead of Winter?
Some of the biggest factors affecting heating oil prices are global oil prices, exchange rates (since oil is priced in US dollars) and seasonal demand fluctuations.
And yet it is the seasonal demand fluctuations that consumers seem to be most aware of and the common belief is that it is cheaper to buy heating oil in summer instead of winter.
You are more likely to get a better service in summer and less likely to get sympathy if you run out of heating oil on Christmas Eve but here we are going to look primarily at cost.
Our working out
Summer = June, July and August
Winter = the following December, January and February
Heating Oil Measurement = 1000 Litres
There has been some rounding and if the difference is less than 1 percent, we consider it the same. This list will be updated at the end of each winter.
| Year |
Summer Average Price |
Winter Average Price |
Difference |
Cheaper in Summer? |
| 2024 |
€996 |
€978 |
1.80% cheaper |
No |
| 2023 |
€977 |
€1,053 |
7.72% dearer |
Yes |
| 2022 |
€1,363 |
€1,159 |
15.00% cheaper |
No |
| 2021 |
€671 |
€845 |
25.91% dearer |
Yes |
| 2020 |
€451 |
€539 |
19.42% dearer |
Yes |
| 2019 |
€687 |
€694 |
0.96% dearer |
Same |
| 2018 |
€723 |
€680 |
5.94% cheaper |
No |
| 2017 |
€568 |
€650 |
14.34% dearer |
Yes |
| 2016 |
€545 |
€615 |
12.98% dearer |
Yes |
| 2015 |
€666 |
€478 |
28.23% cheaper |
No |
| 2014 |
€828 |
€686 |
17.11% cheaper |
No |
| 2013 |
€851 |
€842 |
1.06% cheaper |
No |
| 2012 |
€893 |
€902 |
1.04% dearer |
Yes |
| 2011 |
€813 |
€870 |
7.04% dearer |
Yes |
| 2010 |
€673 |
€772 |
14.71% dearer |
Yes |
| 2009 |
€514 |
€567 |
10.29% dearer |
Yes |
| 2008 |
€895 |
€477 |
46.68% cheaper |
No |
|
€771.43 |
€753.33 |
2.35% |
More often cheaper, 9 times cheaper, 7 times dearer |
In most years surveyed, it has been more frequently cheaper to order heating oil in the Summer than in the Winter. However in terms of how big those price differences are, it has been cheaper to order in Winter. The difference has been around €18 (2.35%) over the years surveyed.
Should I still try to order in summer?
For the best prices, follow our price charts and try not to buy when it is falling - buy the turn. As we have tried to show here, there has been too much emphasis put on Summer versus Winter pricing.
For convenience, you will likely get your oil delivered faster and with less hassle if you order in Summer. In the winter months, oil companies are busier and may take longer to deliver. Ordering in the summer can help ensure you have enough oil before the busy season starts.
Also avoid signing up to a system where orders are placed for you at a time that might suit somebody else.