CMA steps up heating oil and road fuel price checks

Published on 14 March 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority set out how it will keep watch on price rises in heating oil, road fuel and other essentials. In a GOV.UK letter to the Chancellor, Chief Executive Sarah Cardell says the regulator will act if businesses exploit the moment or break competition or consumer law. (gov.uk)

Why now? The CMA notes that tensions in the Middle East are pushing up wholesale costs for key commodities, which can filter into bills here. It warns that any increases must reflect real costs, not opportunism, and says it will use its full powers if needed. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

On heating oil, the CMA says it began writing urgently to suppliers and intermediaries on 11 March after reviewing complaints. Investigators are probing reports of cancelled orders followed by higher re‑quotes, and price rises on automated top‑ups triggered by tank‑level monitors. This is an initial review and not a finding of guilt, but the authority will enforce the law if breaches are identified. It will also examine the market in more detail and may advise ministers on regulation, noting off‑grid households lack the protections available to on‑grid gas users. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

For road fuel, the regulator already monitors forecourt pricing. On 12 March it said it would step up that monitoring, accelerate analysis and bring forward data requests so any exploitation can be spotted quickly, with public pricing updates promised as soon as possible. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

To spot what’s often called ‘rocket and feather’ pricing, think of prices that shoot up quickly when costs rise but float down slowly when costs fall. The CMA says new data from the Fuel Finder scheme will strengthen this monitoring, and it will ensure retailers comply with the scheme’s requirements. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

The CMA also plans wider monitoring across sectors likely to feel price shocks, including agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and red diesel, groceries and travel. The aim is fast, coordinated action if evidence of harmful practices appears. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)

If you use heating oil, keep copies of quotes, order confirmations and delivery notes. If your tank is filled automatically, ask your supplier how prices are set and when you will be told about any change. Clear records help if you need to raise concerns and make it easier for investigators to see what happened.

At the pump, compare nearby prices before you fill up and watch for sudden jumps or very slow falls after big wholesale moves. As Fuel Finder data becomes available, use it to check for better local deals and to share accurate evidence rather than rumours when something looks off.

For class or club discussions, here’s a quick explainer. Wholesale prices are what retailers pay before duty, VAT, transport and margins. Retail prices reflect those costs plus local competition and logistics. During global shocks, some delay between wholesale and pump prices can be normal-but long delays may deserve scrutiny.

The takeaway for learners and readers is straightforward: price shocks can happen, but fairness still matters. The CMA’s letter signals it is watching closely and already collecting the data it needs, and it will act if competition or consumer law is broken. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk)