Category: Fuels

Update: 15th March 2023

Following an entitlement amendment dated from 15^th March 2023, we are now able to supply rebated red diesel for the following uses:

• Premises where the primary purpose is heating non-commercial properties but, to some extent, are used for commercial purposes. This includes accommodation used part-time for bed and breakfast and district heating networks that primarily supply non-commercial premesis
• Arboriculture for all forms of tree work that were applicable for rebated diesel before April 2022 including machines and appliances (excluding vehicles) with a use relating to horticulture such as tending parks and gardens
• Lifeboats and for generating heat and electricity in lifeboat stations, but not in tractors and gear used to launch and haul lifeboats from the water

What is changing with the gas oil duty changes?

In March 2021, the UK Government announced gas oil duty changes, which mean that as of the 1^st April 2022 the rules on the tax relief of red diesel are changing.

The revision to the current taxation means that many sectors that use red diesel will no longer receive tax relief and will be required to switch to an alternative fuel such as white diesel (DERV), or a greener product in HVO30. Organisations previously using red diesel for commercial heating will also have the option of Prem35.

As of the 1st April 2022, many sectors will now need to use an alternative to red diesel, as they are now being forced to use a different fuel that is taxed at the standard rate for white diesel.

The laws are changing as part of the UK Governments push to achieve a net zero emissions target by 2050. The changes are to encourage the development and usage of cleaner, more sustainable fuels and while this is a positive environmental step it does present a challenge to a wide range of sectors and businesses.

Many businesses may have assessed their usage and planned their transition to an alternative following the gas oil duty changes, but we are aware that there are others that are unsure of whether they remain exempt or not and what the financial implications are to their business in having to switch from red to white diesel.

Who will be affected by the changes?

We are here to help shed light on some of the grey areas surrounding the upcoming changes. If you currently use red diesel in machinery, generators or for heating purposes in the following sectors you will be affected by the changes.

• Construction, mining, and quarrying
• Manufacturing
• Plant hire, transportation/ logistics, waste management
• Highway maintenance
• Airport activities
• Ports and harbour activities

From the 1^st April 2022 we will only be able to supply red diesel to your business if that application is for the sole purpose of the following

• Agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fishing and arboriculture*
• Flood and snow clearance including gritters
• Propulsion of passenger, freight, and maintenance vehicles on rails
• Propulsion of commercial boats including passenger ferries, water freight and lifeboat charities*
• The powering of machinery (including caravans) of travelling fairs and circuses
• Heating and electricity generation for non-commercial premises including homes, places of worship, NHS hospitals, townhalls and permanently moored houseboats*
• Amateur sports clubs and community sports centres, golf courses (including activities such as ground maintenance, and the heating and lighting of clubhouses, changing rooms etc.)

*Following an entitlement amendment dated from 15^th March 2023, we are now able to supply rebated red diesel for these uses.

For a full list of sectors and exemptions of use for red diesel you can check on the Gov.uk website or check with HMRC to confirm your exemption status.

Changing to an alternative – what does that mean?

Red diesel is currently used by a number of industries in machinery and equipment, and it makes up for around 15% of the diesel that is used in the UK. However, users currently only have to pay 11.14p per litre as a duty rate in contrast to the 57.95 ppl for white diesel. This means that these sectors are going to miss out on making a saving of 81% when they make the switch. For those sectors that are going to need to make the switch to white diesel then they are clearly going to miss out on savings.

Failing to comply with the regulatory changes can result in heavy fines. It is therefore recommended that your business starts to plan for the transition if you are going to be affected. Here a just a few things to consider:

• If you stock red diesel for an application that will be affected by the changes you will need to run the stock down before the 1st April deadline. There is no grace period after this date.
• Retain proof of purchase for red diesel to prove that you have not stockpiled red diesel for the intended use after the 1st April
• You may require an additional tank to store white diesel and avoid cross contamination of red and white diesel products
• If you intend to use the same tank for storing white diesel that once held red diesel, you may be required to flush the tank and supply lines before the 1st April
• Check the condition and security of your tanks. Many businesses are targeted for their fuel and fuel theft is expected to increase as more switch from red to white products.
• Fuel usage and efficiency can be monitored by using a telemetry device. We can provide the latest radar unit technology to monitor tank levels and set up alerts when running low. This can also help alert you of leaks or theft too

We do offer and can assist in the clearing of tanks and lines if this is something you feel you may need assistance with.

What are the alternatives following the gas oil duty change?

Once you have assessed whether your business will be affected now is the time to start planning the switch to an alternative. We have a wide range of products that are suitable replacements:

• Standard White Diesel (Derv)
• HVO30 – A blended drop-in replacement consisting of 30% Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and white diesel offering a cleaner alternative
• Prem35 – an efficient replacement fuel for commercial heating applications in boilers or burners. Prem35 is a cost-effective alternative

Please call your local depot and speak to one of our experts for more information on any of the alternative products. We are here to help you and your business manage the transition if required.

Contact Us Now

At NWF Fuels, we’re committed to keeping you informed and helping you make informed decisions. Take advantage of our expert knowledge and experience in the fuel industry. Our team is here to answer your questions and provide tailored solutions that align with your specific needs.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to optimize your fuel strategy and maximize savings. Get in touch with us today by calling 01829700120 and let us navigate the complexities of gas oil duty changes for you. With our trusted guidance, you can stay ahead of the game and stay focused on what matters most – growing your business.

Get a free online quote here.

More information

Gov UK – Reform of red diesel and other rebated fuels entitlement
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reform-of-red-diesel-entitlements/reform-of-red-diesel-and-other-rebated-fuels-entitlement

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FAQS – Kerosene

Whether you are new to purchasing heating oil or are unsure what the right amount to order at any one time is, then you are not alone. One of the most important and frequently asked questions we receive is ‘how much oil do I need?’ Running out of oil can not only be an inconvenience to you and your loved ones, but it can become expensive to acquire oil during a period of high demand or on an emergency delivery. Numerous factors also affect how much heating oil is required to meet your usage requirements.

How much heating oil does the average home use in a year?

This is a difficult question to answer, because how much heating oil you use depends specifically on your house, how you use energy, and the condition of your boiler and overall heating system. There are a great number of factors that go into calculating how much energy you use. Here are some of the big ones:

• The size and age of your house
• The heating requirements for your household
• The insulation quality of your home
• How long the heating is on and in which rooms
• The quality of your fuel
• The efficiency of your boiler
• The condition of your tank

While these factors make it very difficult to give a specific number, it is possible to offer some averages to give you a guide.

Based on an average heating energy consumption a UK household uses around 21,000 kWh of energy per year. This translates into approximately 2,000 litres of heating oil, as the amount of heating energy in one litre of kerosene is 10.35 kilowatt hours (kWh).

The typical domestic heating oil tank ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 litres and average order patterns tend to be around 3 or 4 times per year to ensure that you have enough heating oil throughout the year.

It is worth noting that this is just an average that can be used as a guide. As we mentioned above, there is no way to give an exact quantity due to the specific circumstances of your home and how you use energy.  We have some tips that can help you to get more of a sense of how much heating oil you need:

• If you are moving into a property that uses heating oil for the first time, ask the current owner/occupier how much and how frequently they order.
• Ask your neighbours. The likelihood is that they will be using heating oil for their property too.

How many litres of heating oil do I use per day?

There is no exact figure here as the same factors as above apply here.

Based on the average of 2,000 litres per annum divided by 365 days in the year. The figure on average is about 5.5 litres per day.

This assumes that each day of usage will be the same, but seasonality is a significant factor here. You are much less likely to have the heating on all day in the middle of August than you are in the middle of December, so it is more likely that your heating oil use will be lower during the summer, and higher during the winter months.

The easiest way to know how much oil you are using is with a dedicated oil monitor for your tank.

When you join our Priority Club, we provide you with a state-of-the-art OilFox smart monitor (worth over £120) that provides daily readings and allows you to monitor your oil usage from your phone. We will also come and top up your tank whenever it falls below a certain level. Now you will never run out again.

What is the average cost of heating oil?

The cost of heating oil changes daily and there are many factors that impact heating oil prices. These include:

• Crude oil prices
• Increase in demand
• Volatility in oil-producing territories
• Weather events
• Tax and duty rate changes

The price of home heating oil, therefore, varies daily which is why our online heating oil quote tool is updated every day to reflect changes in the market.

Our Direct Debit Plan and Priority Club can help you to spread your fuel costs into more manageable monthly payments and avoid large lump sum payments, giving you greater control.

How do I ensure I never run out?

For a hassle-free way to monitor your oil usage and receive top-ups automatically, join our Priority Club.

The OilFox smart monitor checks your oil level constantly and displays that data in the OilFox app. Now you can check on your tank level anywhere, at any time, from any device.

The smart monitor will also automatically notify our depot when your tank falls below a certain level – we will route an order to top you up so you never need to worry about running out.

If you have any further questions about home heating oil, please don’t hesitate to contact us – our experts will be more than happy to help!

Contact Us Now

Our experts are here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless ordering process. Embrace the convenience of NWF Fuels, your trusted fuel supplier. Say goodbye to wasted oil and hello to cost-effective efficiency. It’s time to take control of your heating needs and invest in a comfortable home. Don’t delay – start planning today!

Get in touch with our team by calling 01829700120 and get a free quote here.

Moving house is an exciting and memorable experience but doesn’t always come without its stresses. If you’ve moved into a property that uses home heating oil, it may just feel like one more thing to worry about. That is why we’re here to help answer the home heating oil questions that you may have, and to take the stress out of getting to grips with it.

What is Heating Oil?

Home heating oil is a liquid fuel that is stored in a tank in your garden and feeds a heating oil boiler inside your property. As with a mains gas boiler, the fuel is burned to heat radiators and water within your property.

Heating oil can often be referred to by a number of different names –  home heating oil, burning oil, 28-second oil, and kerosene (or kero for short). This can all seem quite confusing, but they all refer to the same fuel.

Premium grade heating oils are available that offer a more efficient burn, reducing emissions and maintenance costs, and enabling you to get more out of every tank of fuel. This will all save you money in the long run.

For more information about kerosene, its uses, and how it is produced, click here to visit our easy-to-understand Guide to Kerosene.

Which oil do I need?

The vast majority of oil-fired domestic boilers use kerosene, but if you are unsure which fuel your boiler uses, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

How much do I need to order?

Domestic fuel tanks typically have a capacity of 1000-2500 litres. The minimum quantity you can order is 500 litres, but it is cheaper (per litre) to order a larger quantity of fuel.

By setting up a direct debit with us or joining our Priority Club, you can spread the cost for your fuel into smaller, more manageable payments across the year and avoid large lump sum payments.

How much Heating Oil does a house use in a year?

When moving into one of the 1.5 million homes in the UK that rely on an oil-fired boiler, knowing how quickly your home will burn through the oil in your tank is something that will allow you to estimate how much heating oil you might get through in a year, and plan accordingly.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to give an actual figure, as this will depend on a wide number of factors that relate specifically to the way you use energy, such as:

• The size and age of the house
• How many rooms you heat
• How warm you want those rooms
• Whether you heat your home all year or only during the winter months
• How well your home is insulated
• How efficient your boiler is

If you’re moving into a home with an oil-fired boiler, a good way to find out a rough estimate of how much home heating oil you might need is to ask the previous owner or occupant of the house how much they used. You can then use that estimate to help guide you.

For more information, see our guide to how much heating oil you need.

How long does Heating Oil last?

Kerosene has a typical shelf life of around 2 years, under the right conditions.

There are additives you can purchase to extend the shelf life (such as our Premier Pure), and that will also improve the efficiency of your boiler, enabling you to get the most out of your tank.

There are a few other things you can do to make sure your heating oil lasts longer:

• Look after your oil tank – keeping your tank in peak condition and monitoring regularly for things like cracks, damage, and rust (if your tank is metal) will help your fuel last longer.
• Be mindful of the temperature – in the colder weather, oil can thicken, which runs the risk of clogging your heating system. We can advise you on how to guard against this.
• Insulate your home well – by insulating well, you reduce your overall need for heating oil, making your tank last longer and saving you money on your heating oil bills.

How much does Heating Oil cost?

The wholesale price of heating oil is constantly changing due to a variety of factors that are outside our control. This includes (but is not limited to):

• Global supply and demand
• Crude oil production costs
• Global events (e.g. war, political instability)
• Natural disasters

We monitor the wholesale price of heating oil continuously, and we buy from all the major oil companies to make sure we offer you the most competitive price every day.

To get an instant quote for home heating oil at a competitive price right now, use our online quote tool.

How do I ensure I don’t run out?

Our Priority Club membership is the easiest way to make sure you don’t run out of home heating oil.

As part of your membership, you will receive a free state-of-the-art OilFox™ smart monitor (worth over £120) which enables you to check your usage from anywhere in the world through a simple mobile app.

It also enables you and us to monitor your tank levels accurately and efficiently without the need to look at your tank. What’s more, we will come and fill your tank automatically with our Premier Pure premium kerosene once your tank level falls below a certain point, ensuring that you always receive fuel before you run out.

Ditch the dipstick, ban the bamboo, and welcome to the 21^st Century.  Find out more

How can I order home heating oil?

Ordering fuel from us is simple.

You can get an instant heating oil quote and select a delivery online, or you can call our depot, where one of our experts will be happy to help you to get what you need.

How can I pay for my heating oil?

We offer a variety of ways you can pay for home heating oil:

• Pay in full by debit or credit card, online or over the phone (we accept Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard and American Express)
• You can join our Planned Monthly Direct Debit plan or our Priority Club and spread the cost over 12 months rather than paying larger one-off payments.

Why Choose Us?

Introducing our exclusive guide, designed specifically for newcomers like you. We understand that stepping into the world of home heating oil can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Our comprehensive guide takes you on a captivating journey, unlocking the secrets to efficient and cost-effective heating. Learn about the benefits of using home heating oil, from its unparalleled warmth to its environmental advantages. Gain valuable insights into storage solutions, tank maintenance, and efficient usage tips that will save you both time and money.

Sign up today and receive a FREE consultation with our heating experts. They will guide you through every step, ensuring you make the best choices for your home. Call our team on 01829 700120 for more.

Contact our team today, and get a quote here.