According to the latest figures from the Sutherland tables, heating oil prices have continued to fall and are now at a three year low, making oil arguably the cheapest and most convenient way to heat off-gas grid homes.

The Sutherland Tables are a recognised independent source of data on comparative UK domestic heating prices and reveal that the current average annual cost of using oil to heat a three bedroom home in Great Britain is now 11.6% lower than the average cost recorded over the past four years.

Compared with the cost of heating the same average home with either LPG or electricity oil remains considerably cheaper, currently coming in at 40% less expensive than LPG and 26% cheaper than electricity.

The cost difference between oil and mains gas has also narrowed significantly throughout the last year with oil now just 2% more expensive than gas, equating to around £25 per year. If this trend continues - as predicted by a recent DECC report on future fossil fuel prices - it is likely that oil will actually become cheaper than mains gas in the near future.

OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association) director general Jeremy Hawksley said: “With the current extremely favourable oil price predicted to continue, there is every reason for those installing, servicing or using oil heating to feel confident. OFTEC will continue to fully support its registered technicians and, by listening to their needs and adapting to change, we will retain our position at the forefront of the off-grid heating sector for years to come.”