When should you buy heating oil?
Heating oil prices go up and down through the year. The pattern is not perfect, but there are times when Irish households are more likely to get a better price.
The seasonal pattern
The biggest driver of local price differences is still basic supply and demand, alongside whatever is happening in the wider oil market.
Summer (May - August)
Usually worth checking.
Demand is usually low. Suppliers are quieter, and prices can soften. If you have the budget, summer is often a sensible time to fill the tank.
Autumn (September - October)
A sensible time to top up.
As the weather cools, more households start ordering. Prices often begin to rise, but they may still be better than winter levels. If you did not fill up in summer, this can still be a sensible time to buy.
Winter (November - February)
Often the dearest period.
Demand is highest. Cold weather and delivery pressure can push prices up. This is often the dearest time to buy, so try not to leave it until the tank is nearly empty.
Spring (March - April)
Variable.
Prices can start to ease as winter demand fades, but a cold spring can keep them higher for longer. Check recent trends and your local county prices before deciding.
What can override the season
Seasonal patterns help, but they are not the full story. Global oil prices still affect what households in Ireland end up paying.
- Currency exchange: Oil is traded in dollars. If the euro weakens against the dollar, heating oil can become more expensive in Ireland.
- Supply shocks: Conflict, refinery outages or shipping disruption can push prices up quickly.
How to track prices
You do not need to follow financial news to make a sensible decision. Start with recent county prices, then use trends as context.
Use the trends page alongside your tank level, your county prices, and how urgently you need oil.
Check recent market prices
See whether prices are rising or easing this week.