Country diary: As winter approaches, all eyes here are on heating oil prices | Nicola Chester

The Guardian Environment Monday 02 November 2026, 05:30 UTC By Nicola Chester 1 min read

Key Points

Inkpen and Combe, Berkshire: If the price goes down, the village WhatsApp group lights upBeyond the reach of the gas mains, there is tension about the coming winter. Many rural homes have an open fire or wood burner, but most rely on kerosene oil for hot water and heating. Since the US-Iran war began, its cost has more than doubled.

Inkpen and Combe, Berkshire: If the price goes down, the village WhatsApp group lights up

Beyond the reach of the gas mains, there is tension about the coming winter. Many rural homes have an open fire or wood burner, but most rely on kerosene oil for hot water and heating. Since the US-Iran war began, its cost has more than doubled. Currently, 1,000 litres (lasting 10-12 weeks) is £1,219. A year ago, it was £549. Seasoned wood is in demand.

We watch the oil price rise, with none of the consumer protections afforded to gas customers. If the price per litre drops, as during the June ceasefire, the village WhatsApp group lights up.

Nicola Chester Inkpen (PERSON) Combe (PERSON) Berkshire (LOCATION) WhatsApp (ORG) US (LOCATION) Iran (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian Environment Read original →

Country diary: As winter approaches, all eyes here are on heating oil prices | Nicola Chester

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