PEOPLE with oil-fired heating are being urged to save money by stocking up before winter in a joint campaign backed by the Community Council for Somerset.

The Buy Oil Early Campaign has been launched by Action with Communities in Rural England, the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers with the support of Energy Minister Matt Hancock.

CCS, a member of the the national ACRE network of rural community councils, says stocking up early has a range of benefits – prices and demand tend to be lower in September, and delivery is not disrupted by increased demand and icy weather.

Chief executive Katherine Armstrong said: “Research shows 36% of homes in rural areas are off the gas grid, so many rely on heating oil.

“In times of high demand prices can increase rapidly, leaving the most vulnerable unable to afford to adequately heat their homes.

“We’re urging households to buy their oil now so they’re prepared when the colder weather arrives.”

Energy Minister Matt Hancock said: “It’s better to order early when demand is low and prices are low, and to make sure no household is caught out, especially in remote and rural areas, where roads can be disrupted and delivery times only increase as the weather gets worse.

“If you haven't thought about it it’s worth looking at establishing or joining a community buying group which makes oil prices cheaper for individual households.”

Some 25 members of the ACRE network have set up oil-buying groups, last year buying over 13million litres of oil, saving almost £650,000 on behalf of rural customers.

Visit www.acre.org.uk and oil@somersetrcc.org.uk