The Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP has welcomed confirmation that the Competition and Markets Authority has secured compensation for heating oil customers whose orders were cancelled following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. The CMA launched a consumer protection review into the supply of heating oil after receiving reports that some suppliers had cancelled confirmed orders when wholesale prices increased, leaving customers facing higher costs to secure replacement deliveries.
Following engagement with suppliers, the CMA has established a compensation scheme. Customers who paid more for replacement heating oil will receive a payment covering the difference between their original and replacement orders. Those who did not purchase replacement oil will have their original order honoured at the price initially agreed.
Caroline said: “I welcome the CMA’s intervention to ensure heating oil customers are treated fairly and are not left out of pocket because their confirmed orders were cancelled. This is particularly important for rural communities, where many households depend on heating oil and may have limited alternatives available to them.
“Eligible customers do not need to contact the CMA or their supplier at this stage, as they either have been or will be contacted directly. However, anyone seeking compensation for a replacement purchase will need to provide evidence, such as a receipt and delivery note, so it is important to retain these documents. I am pleased that the CMA will continue working with suppliers to finalise the arrangements and ensure affected customers receive the compensation they are owed.”