In recent weeks, we've been asked often why the price of heating oil rises and falls at a different rate to the price of fuel in our forecourts.
The reason is that there is a difference between the two fuels and what market they come from – and, because of this, there is vast difference in the effect on the price.
The short answer is that the price of heating oil (kerosene) is driven by the global aviation fuel markets (jet fuel), rather than the crude oil price that leads forecourt prices.
In simple terms:
Heating oil = kerosene, which is the same refinery cut as jet fuel.
Jet fuel markets are:
far smaller (supply is tight)
much more export‑dependent
more affected by the Hormuz chokepoint
less flexible in refining
more sensitive to conflict‑driven risks
Forecourt fuel and diesel:
have larger, more resilient global markets
are produced in much higher volumes
have more flexible refining pathways
are shipped through more diversified routes
As a result, kerosene prices move with jet fuel, not with crude oil, and therefore spike more sharply when aviation-specific supply chains are disrupted.
Here is a graph from February into March which explains how the current increase looks:
We’ve been contacted by several Islanders in recent weeks who are still unable to obtain credit cards, despite credit reference agencies now having secure access to Islanders’ data through new data-sharing arrangements.
Since our last update in July, where we answered consumers’ questions about the new credit data-sharing arrangements, we’ve been told that Islanders are still being refused access to credit cards from providers such as American Express, John Lewis and Barclaycard.
You can come and meet representatives of the Jersey Consumer Council next week and talk to us about any consumer issues you may be facing.
For our second ‘Jersey Consumer Fair... On the road’, we’ll be at St Brelade Parish Hall at St Aubin on Thursday, 8 October, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
As the evenings become cooler and Christmas items begin to appear in the shops, autumn is a good time to take a fresh look at your household spending.
Winter can bring additional costs, from higher energy use and fuel to seasonal shopping and household expenses. So, taking a little time now to check what you’re currently paying for could help you avoid unnecessary costs and unpleasant surprises later in the year.
Water bills will be going up again next year, with average households set to pay around £30 more as Jersey Water continues its investment in securing the Island's water supply.
The utility provider has confirmed its water charges for 2027, alongside its priorities for the second year of its strategy to 2030.
The Jersey Consumer Council is saddened by the death of one of our Council Members, Pat Le Masurier.
Pat had been a committed and respected Member since July 2018, and was passionate about giving her time and experience to help improve consumer issues for Islanders.
September is often seen as a month for getting back into a routine. The summer holidays are over, children are back at school, and life starts to feel a little more organised again. It’s also a good time to take a fresh look at your household finances – including those regular payments that quietly leave your bank account each month.
Opinion Poll
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Just tap on one of the options below to cast your vote and see what others think.
An update on credit cards
Bringing consumer advice to your parish
Autumn money check-up: Ten things to review before winter
Water bills to rise again in 2027 as desalination upgrade gets under way
Death of Council Member Pat Le Masurier
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