Heating Oil Usage Patterns by Region in the United Kingdom

Heating oil, also known as kerosene, remains one of the most vital energy sources for millions of homes across the United Kingdom, particularly in rural and off-grid areas. While much of the country has transitioned to gas or renewable energy systems, heating oil continues to play a crucial role where mains gas is unavailable or impractical. Interestingly, heating oil usage is not evenly distributed across the nation; it varies significantly from region to region due to a mix of historical, climatic, economic, and infrastructural factors.

This article explores how and why heating oil usage patterns differ across the UK, examining regional trends, consumption behaviors, and the evolving energy landscape shaping future demand.

1. Understanding Heating Oil’s Role in the UK Energy Mix

In the UK, about 1.5 to 2 million households are not connected to the national gas grid. These properties, mostly located in rural or remote areas, rely on heating oil as their primary fuel for space and water heating. The appeal of heating oil lies in its energy efficiency, high heat output, and storage flexibility — homeowners can buy in bulk, store it in tanks, and manage consumption according to seasonal needs.

Although the government continues to push for low-carbon alternatives, heating oil remains entrenched in the rural economy. The geographical spread of off-grid homes, along with variable weather conditions and housing stock types, directly influence where and how much heating oil is consumed.

2. Regional Breakdown of Heating Oil Usage

Let’s look at how heating oil use differs across the UK’s major regions.

a. South West England

The South West, encompassing counties like Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset, has one of the highest concentrations of heating oil users in the UK. Many homes in these picturesque coastal and countryside areas are off the mains gas network due to their dispersed layout and older building stock.

The region’s mild but damp climate leads to moderate yet consistent heating demand throughout the colder months. Traditional stone cottages and farmhouses, often with poor insulation, contribute to higher fuel consumption per household. Homeowners in this region typically purchase heating oil in bulk during late summer or early autumn to prepare for winter and avoid peak pricing.

b. East of England

The East of England — including Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire — is another stronghold for heating oil users. Large rural populations, agricultural properties, and smaller towns define this area.

Interestingly, the East has seen steady growth in modern oil boiler systems that are more efficient and eco-friendly compared to older models. The open landscapes and colder winds off the North Sea drive higher energy use during winter. However, the region’s relative proximity to refineries and distribution hubs often makes heating oil prices more competitive than in more remote parts of the country.

c. Scotland

Scotland’s rugged geography and colder climate make it a major consumer of heating oil. Remote Highland communities and many of the islands have no access to the gas grid, relying almost entirely on oil or solid fuel for heating.

Consumption here is highly seasonal and weather-dependent — harsh winters and longer heating periods mean households can use 30–40% more heating oil annually than those in southern England. Deliveries can also be challenging, particularly in snow-prone or isolated areas, prompting many homeowners to maintain larger storage tanks and stock up well before winter.

In the Scottish Borders and rural Aberdeenshire, heating oil remains the backbone of domestic energy use, although renewable alternatives like air-source heat pumps are slowly gaining ground.

d. Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland stands out as the most heating oil–reliant region in the UK. Over 60% of households use oil as their primary heating source. The reason lies in its historical energy infrastructure — gas networks were only introduced relatively recently, and coverage remains limited.

Due to its widespread use, heating oil pricing is a major concern for Northern Irish households. Many residents purchase oil in smaller quantities (such as 300–500 litres) due to budget constraints, which can make per-litre costs higher than bulk purchases. Community buying groups have emerged in recent years to help consumers pool orders and secure better rates.

The government’s decarbonisation plans are pushing for a shift towards renewables, but the sheer scale of oil dependence in Northern Ireland means this transition will take time.

e. Wales

In Wales, especially in Mid and West Wales, heating oil remains common in rural communities. Mountainous terrain and scattered housing make gas network expansion difficult and costly.

The Welsh climate, marked by damp and chilly winters, drives steady heating oil demand throughout much of the year. Homeowners here often rely on oil alongside solid fuel stoves, a combination that provides flexibility and resilience during price fluctuations or delivery delays.

f. North of England

Counties like Northumberland, Cumbria, and parts of Yorkshire also show significant heating oil consumption. These areas combine colder climates with older housing and limited gas infrastructure outside major towns.

However, northern households tend to be strategic buyers, timing purchases to coincide with lower off-season prices. Some suppliers also offer fixed-price plans, allowing customers to spread payments and avoid the financial pressure of large one-off purchases.

3. Seasonal and Behavioral Patterns

Across all regions, seasonal demand peaks during the winter months, particularly between November and February. Many homeowners order oil in late autumn to avoid potential supply bottlenecks and price surges.

There is also a noticeable behavioral shift towards smart monitoring and budgeting. The use of digital tank gauges and mobile apps helps consumers track fuel levels and order refills more efficiently. This technology-driven trend is especially visible in regions where delivery access is difficult or where prices fluctuate widely.

4. Future Outlook: Decarbonisation and Alternatives

While heating oil remains essential for rural UK households, the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is reshaping the sector. The government’s Clean Heat Strategy encourages a gradual shift to renewable alternatives such as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional kerosene.

Regions with strong oil dependence — notably Northern Ireland, the South West, and rural Scotland — are likely to be early adopters of these greener fuels once supply chains and pricing become more accessible. Pilot programs are already underway, suggesting that the future of heating oil may lie in cleaner liquid fuels rather than complete replacement.

5. Conclusion

Heating oil usage across the United Kingdom is deeply shaped by geography, infrastructure, and climate. Rural regions like the South West, East of England, and Northern Ireland continue to rely heavily on oil due to limited gas access and traditional housing stock. In contrast, urbanised areas have largely transitioned to mains gas or electric heating.

As the UK moves toward a low-carbon future, heating oil will remain a cornerstone of rural energy — but its evolution towards sustainable alternatives will define its long-term role. Understanding these regional usage patterns is essential for suppliers, policymakers, and homeowners alike as they navigate the balance between affordability, energy security, and environmental responsibility.