Considerations when buying commercial fuel oil

When purchasing commercial fuel oil, there are a number of important factors that any business should take into account. From energy efficiency to cost, these considerations can play an important role in the day to day running and operating of your business. As a result, it’s important to make informed decisions to ensure that your fuel will meet the operational needs and long-term goals of your business. So what are these important considerations when burning commercial fuel oil? And how can your business be sure to benefit?

What are the important considerations when buying commercial fuel oil?

There are a number of important factors to consider when it comes to buying commercial fuel oil, and these include:

  • The type of fuel
  • Fuel quality and the necessary regulations
  • Cost fluctuations
  • Efficiency and performance
  • Reliability
  • Storage and handling
  • Customer support

Consider the type of fuel your commercial property needs

One of the most important considerations when buying commercial fuel oil is making sure to choose the right type of fuel for your requirements. If you are looking for heating oil for example, you may need to choose between kerosene or paraffin for your commercial heating oil. But whether it’s heating oil you need, or red diesel, it’s important to choose a reputable and well regarded supplier, to ensure that you receive the correct fuel for your requirements. 

Make sure you choose a supplier of high quality fuel oil that complies with regulations

As well as selecting the right type of fuel for your needs and requirements, you will also need to choose a supplier that offers high quality fuel oil. Compliance with regulations is essential for commercial properties, and commercial fuel oil is no different. This must adhere to the British Standards Institution (BSI) specifications, to ensure that it meets specific quality and performance standards. In addition, fuel suppliers should be registered with the appropriate regulatory bodies and adhere to environmental standards to minimise the impact of fuel usage on air quality and the environment.

Cost fluctuations should be considered for any commercial fuel oil

When thinking about the commercial fuel oil needed for your property, it’s important to note the different cost fluctuations that can play a role. Fuel prices can fluctuate fairly frequently due to various factors such as global oil prices, supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and economic conditions. As a result, businesses should monitor price trends and consider entering into fuel supply contracts to manage price risks and secure a stable fuel supply at predictable rates. This will prevent you from being caught out by unexpected price hikes.

Efficiency and performance of your commercial fuel 

Beyond the cost, and the supplier, efficiency and performance are also crucial considerations for businesses looking to optimise their fuel usage. Different fuel types and suppliers may offer varying levels of energy efficiency, which can impact operational costs. This means that businesses will need to ensure that the fuel they choose will provide optimal performance for their equipment, and choose the right supplier to help ensure maximum efficiency. Here at Compass Fuel Oils, this is something we excel at.

Reliability of delivery 

The reliability of fuel supply and delivery is essential to prevent disruptions in operations. As such, businesses will need to choose a reputable fuel supplier, like us here at Compass Fuel Oils, with a proven track record of timely and consistent deliveries. It’s also important to consider the supplier’s capacity to meet demand, especially during peak usage periods or adverse weather conditions.

Consider the storage and handling of commercial fuel

Storage and handling considerations are often overlooked but these are actually  critical to ensure the safe and efficient use of fuel. As a result, adequate storage tanks are needed that  comply with regulations and are properly maintained to prevent leaks, spills, and contamination. Businesses should also consider the proximity of storage facilities to their operational sites to minimise transportation costs and logistical challenges.

Customer support when burning commercial fuel oil

Finally, customer support and service quality are important aspects to evaluate when selecting a fuel supplier. This is because reliable customer support can provide businesses with timely assistance, address any issues that may arise, and offer valuable advice on fuel management strategies.

Here at Compass Fuel Oils, we are the UK’s leading provider of fuel oils like red diesel and AdBlue, as well as home heating oil. For more information about delivery within 1-3 days, barrel deliveries, or installing fuel monitors, get in touch with the leading experts today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Deliveries

  • What areas do you deliver to?

    We deliver to most regions in the UK. To check if we service your area, please use our delivery postcode checker or contact our support team 01772 619 461 

  • What is the minimum order quantity for delivery?

    The minimum order quantity varies depending on the fuel type. For most orders, it is 500 litres, but smaller deliveries may be available upon request for example barrels of 205l fuel.

  • How long does delivery take?

    Standard deliveries typically take 3–5 working days. We also offer express delivery options for urgent orders.

  • What should I do if my tank is overfilled or damaged during delivery?

    Please report any issues to our customer service team immediately. We will investigate and resolve the issue promptly.

  • Can I change or cancel my delivery?

    Yes, you can modify or cancel your delivery by contacting us at least 24 hours before the scheduled delivery time.

  • Do you charge a delivery fee?

    Standard delivery is included in the fuel price for most orders. Express deliveries or orders below the minimum quantity may incur additional fees.

  • What types of vehicles are used for delivery?

    We use a fleet of fuel tankers suitable for residential, commercial, and agricultural deliveries. For restricted access locations, we may send a smaller vehicle.

  • What if my delivery is delayed?

    While we strive to deliver on time, delays can occur due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. If your delivery is delayed, we will notify you as soon as possible.

  • What should I do to prepare for a delivery?

    Ensure your tank is easily accessible, remove any obstructions, and secure pets or gates. If your tank has a lock, please make sure it is unlocked.

  • How will I know when my delivery will arrive?

    You will receive a notification with an estimated delivery date once your order is confirmed. On the day of delivery, our driver may contact you directly.

  • Do I need to be present during the delivery?

    In most cases, you don’t need to be present as long as your tank is accessible and ready for filling.

  • What happens if I’m not available during the delivery?

    If you’re not available, our driver can deliver the fuel to your tank as long as it is accessible and safe to do so. If access is restricted, we will contact you to reschedule.

  • Can I schedule my delivery?

    Absolutely. You can choose a preferred delivery date during the order process. We’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

  • Do you offer same-day or next-day delivery?

    Yes, same-day and next-day delivery options are available in select areas. Additional charges may apply.

Payments

  • What currency are payments processed in?

    Payments are processed in GBP (British Pounds). If you are paying from outside the UK, your bank may apply conversion fees.

  • Is my payment information secure?

    Absolutely. We use industry-standard encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your payment details.

  • Can I request an extension on my payment due date?

    Yes, payment extensions may be available upon request. Please contact our billing team to discuss options.

  • Do you offer refunds?

    Refunds are processed in accordance with our refund policy. Please contact our support team for further assistance.

  • How can I update my payment details?

    You can update your payment details by contacting our customer service team. 

  • Can I split my payment across multiple methods?

    Unfortunately, we do not support splitting payments across multiple methods at this time.

  • What should I do if my payment is declined?

    If your payment is declined, double-check your payment details and try again. If the issue persists, contact your bank or our support team for assistance.

  • How do I receive my invoice or receipt?

    Invoices and receipts are sent to your registered email address or by letter.

  • Is there a surcharge for using a credit card?

    No, we do not charge additional fees for payments made using a credit card.

  • Do you offer credit terms for businesses?

    Yes, we provide credit terms for eligible business customers. Please contact our sales team to discuss account setup and terms.

  • Can I set up a direct debit or recurring payment?

    Yes, you can set up direct debit or recurring payments to ensure timely and hassle-free billing.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit/debit cards, direct bank transfers. For business customers, we also offer account-based billing.

  • I paid for my order by card, I received less fuel than I paid for due to the tank being full, what happens now?

    We have a couple of options available, we can refund your payment card, this takes 3-5 working days from the date we process your refund. Alternatively, we can leave the credit sat on your account and adjust this amount from the payment for your next order.