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

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.

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

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.

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
===================================

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.

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.

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

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

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

"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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

"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)

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

"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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.