A Spalding fuel provider is advising families to top up on heating oil for Christmas and avoid missing out during the festive season.
Rix Petroleum, based at Welland Business Park, Clay Lake, fears people will put fuel at the bottom of their shopping list until the last minute, only to risk paying higher prices and cancelled deliveries in the event of bad weather.
Depot manager Robin Exley is urging people to keep an eye on their heating oil levels and order supplies before the week running up to Christmas.
He said: “Heating oil is one of those products people don’t think about until they need it, particularly in the run-up to Christmas when there are a hundred and one other things to do and buy.
“But as we get closer to the festive celebrations, people then realise they need to top up and so everyone starts panic buying at once before our depot closes down for the holidays.
“This can play havoc with deliveries but, worse than that, as demand suddenly shoots up the price increases too and if the weather is bad, deliveries can take longer.”