THE LATEST SURVEY of the cost of home heating oil across Ireland has revealed that prices around the country can waver by up to 10 per cent.

The National Consumer Agency study found suppliers offering quotes of between €910 and €995 for a fill of 1,000 litres of home heating oil ahead of the winter demand.

The highest quote was obtained from a supplier in East Galway, while the cheapest quote was found in Dundalk.

On average, prices are up by about 18 per cent on the same time last year – with the average delivery costing €964 this year. A similar survey carried out last year found the average price to have been €818, when prices were between €770 and €850.

NCA director of research and policy Fergal O’Leary said the survey showed that consumers could be able to save about €30 to €40 off the price of a delivery if they shopped around for quotes from other suppliers in their area.

“As most homes will need more than one fill during the winter the potential savings could be doubled,” he said, encouraging consumers to try and haggle with suppliers in order to secure a cheaper deal.

“Instead consumers can make a few phone calls to get a number of quotes and use these as a basis to switch their supplier or look for a discount from their existing supplier.

“It should only take a few minutes and it should prove worthwhile.”