Some heating oil suppliers have agreed to compensate customers after cancelling orders during a sharp rise in prices, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) says.
The watchdog says about 1,700 customers were affected by possible breaches of contract. Although their original payments were refunded, many faced a choice between buying fuel at a much higher price and going without. Some may have paid £150 to £350 extra.
Under the agreements, customers who bought replacement oil at a higher price will get back the difference. Suppliers will fulfil cancelled orders at the originally agreed price for customers who did not buy replacement oil. The CMA is seeking compensation from firms that have not agreed and says it is prepared to take court-based action.
The Middle East conflict drove a surge in energy prices; heating oil reached 123p a litre at its April peak, a rise of 92%. The CMA says the broader increase largely reflected wholesale costs. It has recommended stronger safeguards for heating oil customers to the UK and devolved governments.
Please note! Comments are published by readers. The opinions expressed may not reflect the position of the editorial team. NYCT is not responsible for the content of readers' opinions and asks authors to observe moral standards, not to incite national or racial hatred, and to avoid rudeness. Think before you speak. You are responsible for your words! By publishing an opinion, you agree to the rules! If this request is ignored, NYCT reserves the right to deprive the user of the ability to leave comments.