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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
Anyone know whether there is a trend to buying domestic heating oil in
smaller quantities, say 500 litres instead of 1000 litres? I know of one or two households that are doing this, but I don't know how widespread it is. This is in part due to the high cost (some people just don't have the ready money for a full tank) and partly because people expect a bigger winter fuel payment from the government. However, the price per litre is usually around 3% more expensive when one buys the smaller volume. MM |
#2
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
MM wrote:
Anyone know whether there is a trend to buying domestic heating oil in smaller quantities, say 500 litres instead of 1000 litres? I know of one or two households that are doing this, but I don't know how widespread it is. This is in part due to the high cost (some people just don't have the ready money for a full tank) and partly because people expect a bigger winter fuel payment from the government. However, the price per litre is usually around 3% more expensive when one buys the smaller volume. MM I think there is a trend for precisely te reasons cited. Also people hope the price will drop back a little, and it might. |
#3
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:33:11 +0100, The Natural Philosopher
wrote: MM wrote: Anyone know whether there is a trend to buying domestic heating oil in smaller quantities, say 500 litres instead of 1000 litres? I know of one or two households that are doing this, but I don't know how widespread it is. This is in part due to the high cost (some people just don't have the ready money for a full tank) and partly because people expect a bigger winter fuel payment from the government. However, the price per litre is usually around 3% more expensive when one buys the smaller volume. MM I think there is a trend for precisely te reasons cited. Also people hope the price will drop back a little, and it might. Might local suppliers have to trim the litre price differential on 500 versus 1000 litres in order to get the custom? MM |
#4
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:20:15 +0100, MM wrote:
Might local suppliers have to trim the litre price differential on 500 versus 1000 litres in order to get the custom? Shouldn't think so. The differential is there to pay for the tankers diesel making the delivery trip which is the same for 500l or 2000. The smaller delivery has fewer litres on which to recover that cost. -- Cheers Dave. |
#5
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:13:41 +0100, MM wrote:
Anyone know whether there is a trend to buying domestic heating oil in smaller quantities, say 500 litres instead of 1000 litres? I know of one or two households that are doing this, but I don't know how widespread it is. This is in part due to the high cost (some people just don't have the ready money for a full tank) and partly because people expect a bigger winter fuel payment from the government. However, the price per litre is usually around 3% more expensive when one buys the smaller volume. MM ================================== There's a report today in my local paper of thefts of domestic heating oil and diesel so maybe people are keeping lower stocks to minimise potential loss. The report concerns parts of Cornwall, but other areas could be affected. Cic. -- =================================== Using Ubuntu Linux Windows shown the door =================================== |
#6
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
In article ,
Cicero wrote: There's a report today in my local paper of thefts of domestic heating oil and diesel so maybe people are keeping lower stocks to minimise potential loss. The report concerns parts of Cornwall, but other areas could be affected. Crikey - not the easiest thing to steal. -- *Middle age is when it takes longer to rest than to get tired. Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
#7
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
In news:iYmdnXspbN5YkYTVnZ2dnUVZ8qugnZ2d@plusnet,
Owain typed: Dave Plowman (News) wrote: Cicero wrote: There's a report today in my local paper of thefts of domestic heating oil and diesel Crikey - not the easiest thing to steal. Report in the paper today about a reposessed and unoccupied house where thieves dismantled and took away a conservatory. Owain Did they demolish the front porch too? ;-) Don. |
#8
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:48:13 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice"
wrote: On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:20:15 +0100, MM wrote: Might local suppliers have to trim the litre price differential on 500 versus 1000 litres in order to get the custom? Shouldn't think so. The differential is there to pay for the tankers diesel making the delivery trip which is the same for 500l or 2000. The smaller delivery has fewer litres on which to recover that cost. But there may come a point when too many households put off buying oil in the larger volumes, thus forcing the differential down. Put it this way, if you were a local supplier, would you rather have three x 500 litre deliveries today than none at all? Also, electricity is now cheaper. My immersion heater has never been so happy as it is right now. MM |
#9
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:19:10 GMT, Cicero
wrote: On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:13:41 +0100, MM wrote: Anyone know whether there is a trend to buying domestic heating oil in smaller quantities, say 500 litres instead of 1000 litres? I know of one or two households that are doing this, but I don't know how widespread it is. This is in part due to the high cost (some people just don't have the ready money for a full tank) and partly because people expect a bigger winter fuel payment from the government. However, the price per litre is usually around 3% more expensive when one buys the smaller volume. MM ================================== There's a report today in my local paper of thefts of domestic heating oil and diesel so maybe people are keeping lower stocks to minimise potential loss. The report concerns parts of Cornwall, but other areas could be affected. That is, of course, another consideration. Oil tanks tend to be some distance from the house, often in a secluded part of the back garden that still needs access for the delivery bowser's hose. That is also enough access for thieves. I've read elsewhere that it is not recommended to lock the filler cap, because then the thieves simply punch a hole in the tank so that you end up with the cost of the purloined oil AND the cost of a new tank. Maybe the best idea is to shield the tank so that it is not visible. There are also reports of thieves following bowsers as they wend their way to their deliveries. After all, how might YOU know whether that vehicle behind is up to no good? MM |
#10
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:51:07 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote: In article , Cicero wrote: There's a report today in my local paper of thefts of domestic heating oil and diesel so maybe people are keeping lower stocks to minimise potential loss. The report concerns parts of Cornwall, but other areas could be affected. Crikey - not the easiest thing to steal. When a 1000 litre filling is worth upwards of £550, it's a risk that some, obviously, are prepared to take. Even if they got only a quarter of the value, it's easy pickings. Dunno how they manage to find "clients", though, because if anyone knocked on my door and said they'd got a "spare 200 litres" going cheap, I'd know they weren't from BP or Shell! MM |
#11
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
"MM" wrote in message
... On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:51:07 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote: In article , Cicero wrote: There's a report today in my local paper of thefts of domestic heating oil and diesel so maybe people are keeping lower stocks to minimise potential loss. The report concerns parts of Cornwall, but other areas could be affected. Crikey - not the easiest thing to steal. When a 1000 litre filling is worth upwards of £550, it's a risk that some, obviously, are prepared to take. Even if they got only a quarter of the value, it's easy pickings. Dunno how they manage to find "clients", though, because if anyone knocked on my door and said they'd got a "spare 200 litres" going cheap, I'd know they weren't from BP or Shell! Most people would. Doesn't mean they wouldn't take it though. -- Bob Mannix (anti-spam is as easy as 1-2-3 - not) |
#12
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 1 May 2008 09:21:27 +0100, Bob Mannix wrote:
Dunno how they manage to find "clients", though, because if anyone knocked on my door and said they'd got a "spare 200 litres" going cheap, I'd know they weren't from BP or Shell! Most people would. Doesn't mean they wouldn't take it though. If someone knocked on the door offering oil I wouldn't take it and would be on the phone to the Police PDQ with registration numbers, description etc. Mind you why does some have to sell on? Stealing and putting in your own tank would be pretty profitable at 50p+/l... -- Cheers Dave. |
#13
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 09:03:08 +0100, MM wrote:
There are also reports of thieves following bowsers as they wend their way to their deliveries. After all, how might YOU know whether that vehicle behind is up to no good? Maybe that's why the tanker I followed almost all the way from Carlisle to Alston pulled over in a layby just before Alston... And yes following a tanker and noting a delivery would be a good ruse, you then know that that tank is going to be pretty full. As for method of theft, I think it's a OFTEC requirement for there to be a drain valve on the bottom the tank to let out any water that builds up from condensation or rain getting in. No need to suck it out via the filler. B-) -- Cheers Dave. |
#14
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 08:59:09 +0100, MM wrote:
But there may come a point when too many households put off buying oil in the larger volumes, thus forcing the differential down. Put it this way, if you were a local supplier, would you rather have three x 500 litre deliveries today than none at all? Maybe but over an area the consumption of oil is pretty predictable, unless a significant number decide to switch their heating off. It's space heating that chomps through the oil rather than hot water. Summer we use about 25/l week for HW compare that to 150l/week CH and HW in the winter. So people may bobble along with small but more frequent deliveries but the amount of oil sold is going to be much the same once people tanks are in the 500l empty bracket. Also, electricity is now cheaper. My immersion heater has never been so happy as it is right now. Still need the heating on here, though it's not coming on as much as it was. This week has been cool, 5 to 10C. And our last lot of oil was just under 50p so electricity is roughly 2p/unit more expensive. But just for HW the savings are minimal and not worth the hassle. -- Cheers Dave. |
#15
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 12:32:58 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice"
wrote: On Thu, 01 May 2008 08:59:09 +0100, MM wrote: But there may come a point when too many households put off buying oil in the larger volumes, thus forcing the differential down. Put it this way, if you were a local supplier, would you rather have three x 500 litre deliveries today than none at all? Maybe but over an area the consumption of oil is pretty predictable, unless a significant number decide to switch their heating off. It's space heating that chomps through the oil rather than hot water. Summer we use about 25/l week for HW compare that to 150l/week CH and HW in the winter. So people may bobble along with small but more frequent deliveries but the amount of oil sold is going to be much the same once people tanks are in the 500l empty bracket. Also, electricity is now cheaper. My immersion heater has never been so happy as it is right now. Still need the heating on here, though it's not coming on as much as it was. This week has been cool, 5 to 10C. And our last lot of oil was just under 50p so electricity is roughly 2p/unit more expensive. But just for HW the savings are minimal and not worth the hassle. I can get by now with no CH and just the immersion on for 45 minutes in the morning. Ample for washing and washing-up. An extra 45 minutes twice a week for a really hot bath, otherwise I tend to get a bit whiffy. MM |
#16
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 12:17:43 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice"
wrote: On Thu, 1 May 2008 09:21:27 +0100, Bob Mannix wrote: Dunno how they manage to find "clients", though, because if anyone knocked on my door and said they'd got a "spare 200 litres" going cheap, I'd know they weren't from BP or Shell! Most people would. Doesn't mean they wouldn't take it though. If someone knocked on the door offering oil I wouldn't take it and would be on the phone to the Police PDQ with registration numbers, description etc. Too right. That stolen oil may be from OAPs sho haven't got insurance. Mind you why does some have to sell on? Stealing and putting in your own tank would be pretty profitable at 50p+/l... But I reckon that most thefts are by organised thieves, not impecunious OAPs. MM |
#17
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 12:32:58 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice"
wrote: And our last lot of oil was just under 50p so electricity is roughly 2p/unit more expensive. When was that, roughly? If I ordered oil today it would be around 53p a litre (for 1000). MM |
#18
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
"MM" wrote in message
... On Thu, 01 May 2008 12:17:43 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice" wrote: On Thu, 1 May 2008 09:21:27 +0100, Bob Mannix wrote: Dunno how they manage to find "clients", though, because if anyone knocked on my door and said they'd got a "spare 200 litres" going cheap, I'd know they weren't from BP or Shell! Most people would. Doesn't mean they wouldn't take it though. If someone knocked on the door offering oil I wouldn't take it and would be on the phone to the Police PDQ with registration numbers, description etc. Too right. That stolen oil may be from OAPs sho haven't got insurance. I wasn't suggesting anyone here *would* take it - apologies if seemed otherwise. Plenty that would though. Probably arranged down the pub rather than by knocking on doors though, granted. -- Bob Mannix (anti-spam is as easy as 1-2-3 - not) |
#19
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 14:12:39 +0100, MM wrote:
I can get by now with no CH and just the immersion on for 45 minutes in the morning. Ample for washing and washing-up. An extra 45 minutes twice a week for a really hot bath, Ah single and living alone. I remember those days and the massive reduction in the gas bill when the time switch broke on the heating system. The well lagged tank would stay hot enough for washing/washing up for about two days and would reheat in 20mins for a bath. So went from coming on twice/day to top up the heat in the tank to less than an hour every other day or longer... -- Cheers Dave. |
#20
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On May 1, 8:59*am, MM wrote:
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:48:13 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice" wrote: On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:20:15 +0100, MM wrote: Might local suppliers have to trim the litre price differential on 500 versus 1000 litres in order to get the custom? Shouldn't think so. The differential is there to pay for the tankers diesel making the delivery trip which is the same for 500l or 2000. The smaller delivery has fewer litres on which to recover that cost. But there may come a point when too many households put off buying oil in the larger volumes, thus forcing the differential down. Put it this way, if you were a local supplier, would you rather have three x 500 litre deliveries today than none at all? Why would it force the differential down? If anything, a greater proportion of smaller deliveries may mean greater overheads and push the price up. If people are buying in 500l lots instead of 1000l lots then that's what they are doing. How does that affect the price? People are still buying the oil. The local supplier only loses the smaller deliveries if another supplier is cheaper. That's called competition and is just as applicable to the large deliveries. What's the agenda behind your question? Are you trying to screw a lower price out of a supplier for a smaller delivery? MBQ |
#21
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 14:16:30 +0100, MM wrote:
And our last lot of oil was just under 50p ... When was that, roughly? If I ordered oil today it would be around 53p a litre (for 1000). Only the 8th of April, 48.85 ex VAT, for 2000l. I got in just before sudden 2p hike. Other quotes were 49.95, 55.98, 50.95 & 52.39. Local company that is nearly always about 1p cheaper than anyother supplier. They only have to come about 10 miles to us others have to do nearer 50 miles round trip... -- Cheers Dave. |
#22
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 14:14:19 +0100, MM wrote:
But I reckon that most thefts are by organised thieves, not impecunious OAPs. Well to shift 1000l of oil one would have to be a bit organised even if you were just going to put it in your own tank. 1000l is 50 jerry cans, 500l is 25 they would fill a medium/large trailer and weigh quite a bit. 500l of kero weighs about 400kg... -- Cheers Dave. |
#23
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:13:41 +0100 Mm wrote :
Anyone know whether there is a trend to buying domestic heating oil in smaller quantities, say 500 litres instead of 1000 litres? I know of one or two households that are doing this, but I don't know how widespread it is. This is in part due to the high cost (some people just don't have the ready money for a full tank) and partly because people expect a bigger winter fuel payment from the government. However, the price per litre is usually around 3% more expensive when one buys the smaller volume. As others have said the delivery overhead is much the same regardless of quantity. When my mum had oil heating - probably one of a small minority in the area - IIRC the cheapest option was automatic top-up: IOW if they had a tanker in the area they would refill your tank, saving a special journey. -- Tony Bryer SDA UK 'Software to build on' http://www.sda.co.uk |
#24
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 1 May 2008 07:11:24 -0700 (PDT), "Man at B&Q"
wrote: On May 1, 8:59*am, MM wrote: On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:48:13 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice" wrote: On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:20:15 +0100, MM wrote: Might local suppliers have to trim the litre price differential on 500 versus 1000 litres in order to get the custom? Shouldn't think so. The differential is there to pay for the tankers diesel making the delivery trip which is the same for 500l or 2000. The smaller delivery has fewer litres on which to recover that cost. But there may come a point when too many households put off buying oil in the larger volumes, thus forcing the differential down. Put it this way, if you were a local supplier, would you rather have three x 500 litre deliveries today than none at all? Why would it force the differential down? If anything, a greater proportion of smaller deliveries may mean greater overheads and push the price up. If people are buying in 500l lots instead of 1000l lots then that's what they are doing. How does that affect the price? People are still buying the oil. The local supplier only loses the smaller deliveries if another supplier is cheaper. That's called competition and is just as applicable to the large deliveries. What's the agenda behind your question? Are you trying to screw a lower price out of a supplier for a smaller delivery? No, but if I were, what is wrong with that? MM |
#25
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 16:02:35 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice"
wrote: On Thu, 01 May 2008 14:14:19 +0100, MM wrote: But I reckon that most thefts are by organised thieves, not impecunious OAPs. Well to shift 1000l of oil one would have to be a bit organised even if you were just going to put it in your own tank. 1000l is 50 jerry cans, 500l is 25 they would fill a medium/large trailer and weigh quite a bit. 500l of kero weighs about 400kg... But there have been many thefts (ordinary household thefts) from houses while the owners have been in bed asleep. So stealing oil from a tank in a remote part of the garden would seem pretty easy, really. Unless there are dogs in the vicinity... Also, what about when residents go to work? Or to church on Sunday? MM |
#26
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Thu, 01 May 2008 18:19:29 GMT, Tony Bryer
wrote: On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:13:41 +0100 Mm wrote : Anyone know whether there is a trend to buying domestic heating oil in smaller quantities, say 500 litres instead of 1000 litres? I know of one or two households that are doing this, but I don't know how widespread it is. This is in part due to the high cost (some people just don't have the ready money for a full tank) and partly because people expect a bigger winter fuel payment from the government. However, the price per litre is usually around 3% more expensive when one buys the smaller volume. As others have said the delivery overhead is much the same regardless of quantity. When my mum had oil heating - probably one of a small minority in the area - IIRC the cheapest option was automatic top-up: IOW if they had a tanker in the area they would refill your tank, saving a special journey. But how would one know that one is constantly getting the best deal? MM |
#27
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
In article ,
MM wrote: On Thu, 01 May 2008 16:02:35 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice" wrote: On Thu, 01 May 2008 14:14:19 +0100, MM wrote: But I reckon that most thefts are by organised thieves, not impecunious OAPs. Well to shift 1000l of oil one would have to be a bit organised even if you were just going to put it in your own tank. 1000l is 50 jerry cans, 500l is 25 they would fill a medium/large trailer and weigh quite a bit. 500l of kero weighs about 400kg... But there have been many thefts (ordinary household thefts) from houses while the owners have been in bed asleep. So stealing oil from a tank in a remote part of the garden would seem pretty easy, really. Unless there are dogs in the vicinity... And just how would you transport the oil? You'd need a large tank mounted on a vehicle and probably a pump to get it in there. Also, what about when residents go to work? Or to church on Sunday? I'd hope neighbours might find it strange to see a pikey vehicle with a tank loading up at a house. MM -- *I want it all and I want it delivered Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
#28
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
In article ,
Huge wrote: I've read elsewhere that it is not recommended to lock the filler cap, The filler cap is on the *top* of my tank, and completely useless for emptying it... I'd say transferring the contents of most tanks to a portable one would involve a pump. -- *It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser. Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
#29
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
Huge wrote:
On 2008-05-01, MM wrote: I've read elsewhere that it is not recommended to lock the filler cap, The filler cap is on the *top* of my tank, and completely useless for emptying it... Siphon it into a low container. |
#30
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Fri, 02 May 2008 10:34:20 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote: In article , MM wrote: On Thu, 01 May 2008 16:02:35 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice" wrote: On Thu, 01 May 2008 14:14:19 +0100, MM wrote: But I reckon that most thefts are by organised thieves, not impecunious OAPs. Well to shift 1000l of oil one would have to be a bit organised even if you were just going to put it in your own tank. 1000l is 50 jerry cans, 500l is 25 they would fill a medium/large trailer and weigh quite a bit. 500l of kero weighs about 400kg... But there have been many thefts (ordinary household thefts) from houses while the owners have been in bed asleep. So stealing oil from a tank in a remote part of the garden would seem pretty easy, really. Unless there are dogs in the vicinity... And just how would you transport the oil? You'd need a large tank mounted on a vehicle and probably a pump to get it in there. Also, what about when residents go to work? Or to church on Sunday? I'd hope neighbours might find it strange to see a pikey vehicle with a tank loading up at a house. Lots of rural dwellings are isolated from immediate neighbours. MM |
#31
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On 2 May 2008 09:23:50 GMT, Huge wrote:
On 2008-05-01, MM wrote: I've read elsewhere that it is not recommended to lock the filler cap, The filler cap is on the *top* of my tank, and completely useless for emptying it... Er, did you, as a youth, never need to syphon petrol out of your mate's car to get you home? MM |
#32
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On 2 May 2008 09:24:19 GMT, Huge wrote:
On 2008-05-01, MM wrote: On Thu, 01 May 2008 18:19:29 GMT, Tony Bryer wrote: On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:13:41 +0100 Mm wrote : Anyone know whether there is a trend to buying domestic heating oil in smaller quantities, say 500 litres instead of 1000 litres? I know of one or two households that are doing this, but I don't know how widespread it is. This is in part due to the high cost (some people just don't have the ready money for a full tank) and partly because people expect a bigger winter fuel payment from the government. However, the price per litre is usually around 3% more expensive when one buys the smaller volume. As others have said the delivery overhead is much the same regardless of quantity. When my mum had oil heating - probably one of a small minority in the area - IIRC the cheapest option was automatic top-up: IOW if they had a tanker in the area they would refill your tank, saving a special journey. But how would one know that one is constantly getting the best deal? You don't. You can't have it both ways. I think I'd rather have the choice of finding the best deal WHEN I actually need the oil. MM |
#33
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
"MM" wrote in message
... As others have said the delivery overhead is much the same regardless of quantity. When my mum had oil heating - probably one of a small minority in the area - IIRC the cheapest option was automatic top-up: IOW if they had a tanker in the area they would refill your tank, saving a special journey. But how would one know that one is constantly getting the best deal? You don't. You can't have it both ways. I think I'd rather have the choice of finding the best deal WHEN I actually need the oil. Even if that actually gave you a worse price? clive |
#34
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On 2 May 2008 13:38:22 GMT, Huge wrote:
I know criminals are stupid, but do you really think some pikey is going to *syphon* heating oil out of a tank? Why not? They are daft enough to try and steal the copper from 11kV lines without dumping the line first... -- Cheers Dave. |
#35
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On 2 May 2008 13:38:22 GMT, Huge wrote:
On 2008-05-02, MM wrote: On 2 May 2008 09:23:50 GMT, Huge wrote: On 2008-05-01, MM wrote: I've read elsewhere that it is not recommended to lock the filler cap, The filler cap is on the *top* of my tank, and completely useless for emptying it... Er, did you, as a youth, never need to syphon petrol out of your mate's car to get you home? I know criminals are stupid, but do you really think some pikey is going to *syphon* heating oil out of a tank? Nowadays you don't even have to suck. I've seen syphon kits in Halfords and other places. MM |
#36
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Fri, 2 May 2008 13:47:15 +0100, "Clive George"
wrote: "MM" wrote in message .. . As others have said the delivery overhead is much the same regardless of quantity. When my mum had oil heating - probably one of a small minority in the area - IIRC the cheapest option was automatic top-up: IOW if they had a tanker in the area they would refill your tank, saving a special journey. But how would one know that one is constantly getting the best deal? You don't. You can't have it both ways. I think I'd rather have the choice of finding the best deal WHEN I actually need the oil. Even if that actually gave you a worse price? But what if the continuous top-up price were the worst price? I couldn't just change the contract I'd signed at the drop of a hat. I'd be hooked in for a year, probably, at the very least. MM |
#37
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On 2 May 2008 13:39:15 GMT, Huge wrote:
On 2008-05-02, MM wrote: On 2 May 2008 09:24:19 GMT, Huge wrote: On 2008-05-01, MM wrote: On Thu, 01 May 2008 18:19:29 GMT, Tony Bryer wrote: On Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:13:41 +0100 Mm wrote : Anyone know whether there is a trend to buying domestic heating oil in smaller quantities, say 500 litres instead of 1000 litres? I know of one or two households that are doing this, but I don't know how widespread it is. This is in part due to the high cost (some people just don't have the ready money for a full tank) and partly because people expect a bigger winter fuel payment from the government. However, the price per litre is usually around 3% more expensive when one buys the smaller volume. As others have said the delivery overhead is much the same regardless of quantity. When my mum had oil heating - probably one of a small minority in the area - IIRC the cheapest option was automatic top-up: IOW if they had a tanker in the area they would refill your tank, saving a special journey. But how would one know that one is constantly getting the best deal? You don't. You can't have it both ways. I think I'd rather have the choice of finding the best deal WHEN I actually need the oil. Your choice. Nobody forces you have the auto top-up service - some people would rather have the convenience than the money. I don't see why it is such a big deal to know that you're going to need more oil in, say, three weeks from now so you make a few phone calls and order some. Honestly, some people would employ arse wipers if there were any in the business! MM |
#38
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Sat, 03 May 2008 13:14:40 +0100, Grimly Curmudgeon wrote:
Of course not. They turn up in a Transit with a heating oil tank in the back of it. A 2" petrol-powered pump, and Bob's yer dodgily-moustachioed brother's auntie. Petrol powered pump is going to be a bit noisy... 12v fuel transfer pump much quieter and even a cheapo one will shift 500l of fuel in 15 mins or less. -- Cheers Dave. |
#39
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
drugs began to take hold. I remember "Dave Liquorice" saying something like: Of course not. They turn up in a Transit with a heating oil tank in the back of it. A 2" petrol-powered pump, and Bob's yer dodgily-moustachioed brother's auntie. Petrol powered pump is going to be a bit noisy... 12v fuel transfer pump much quieter and even a cheapo one will shift 500l of fuel in 15 mins or less. Good point. Probably how, an'all. There have been several oil thefts within a 20 mile radius of my place in the past few years and that's just the ones I know of through dealing with the customers involved - doubtless there are many more. -- Dave |
#40
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Domestic heating oil: Smaller quantities
On Sat 03 May 2008 13:14:40, Grimly Curmudgeon wrote:
We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the drugs began to take hold. I remember Huge saying something like: I know criminals are stupid, but do you really think some pikey is going to *syphon* heating oil out of a tank? Of course not. They turn up in a Transit with a heating oil tank in the back of it. A 2" petrol-powered pump, and Bob's yer dodgily-moustachioed brother's auntie. There's a real spate of heating oil thefts in rural areas and has been for the past couple of years. What proof is there to support your claim about a "real spate of heating oil thefts in rural areas"? Is it just your supposition based on overreaction to a couple of news reports? Or are there facts to back up that claim? Many rural properties are occupied by working couples and the thieves know when the house is empty. Here's a tip: you often find pikeys wandering around looking for scrap - they have eyes in their head and take everything in, often passing the info on to other pikeys who are up for a bit of oil theft. How often have you come across "pikeys" looking for scrap? Probably once and maybe twice. That's hardly enough evidence to make a racist-like slur here in public. |
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