How the estimate works
Your price per litre is the order price divided by the litres delivered. Your yearly use comes from how fast your last delivery went, or from a rough guide for your type of home.
Most homes burn far more oil in winter than in summer. This calculator assumes about 70% of a year's oil is used from October to March and 30% from April to September. That is an estimate, so your own delivery history is always the better guide.
Is oil cheaper than electric heating?
A litre of kerosene holds about 10.35 kWh of energy. Divide your price per litre by that, then allow for your boiler's efficiency, to get the cost of each useful kWh of heat. Compare that with your electricity unit rate. Plug-in electric heaters turn each kWh into a kWh of heat, so at current NI prices oil usually works out cheaper per kWh. Heat pumps are different, as they produce several kWh of heat for each kWh of electricity.
Ways to pay less for heating oil
- Shop around every time. Prices vary between suppliers and council areas. The Consumer Council publishes weekly average prices for 300, 500 and 900 litres.
- Order larger amounts when you can. 900 litres usually costs less per litre than 300.
- Join an oil buying club. The Housing Executive's Oil Savings Network negotiates group prices for members.
- Order before you run low. A near-empty tank leaves you no time to wait for a better price.
Want to see what your electric appliances cost too? Try the appliance running cost calculator.
Common questions
How long does 500 litres of heating oil last?
It depends on your home and the time of year. Many homes get through a fill much faster in winter than in summer. Enter how long your last delivery lasted above for an estimate based on your own use.
How many homes in Northern Ireland use heating oil?
Around two-thirds of households in Northern Ireland heat their homes with oil, according to the Consumer Council.
Is heating oil covered by the energy price cap?
No. Heating oil is not covered by any price cap, in Northern Ireland or Great Britain. Prices move with the market, which is why shopping around matters.
Where can I check this week's heating oil prices in NI?
The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland runs a weekly survey of heating oil prices by council area for 300, 500 and 900 litre orders.