10th March 2026
Diesel is already rising faster than petrol, and sustained $110+ crude would likely push UK diesel toward the mid‑150s per litre. Gas bills are also at risk because UK wholesale gas has surged toward 100p/therm. Caithness—being rural and heavily dependent on heating oil, LPG, and long‑distance transport—would feel these increases more sharply.
Diesel Price Outlook (UK‑wide)
Current diesel prices
150.9p per litre, up 8p in a week (5.6%)
151.2p per litre UK average (live forecourt data)
If oil stays above $110
Diesel is more sensitive to crude and distillate shortages than petrol.
Expected rise:
8-12p per litre over the next 2-4 weeks
Likely range: 158–165p per litre nationally
Rural Scotland (including Caithness) often runs 3–6p higher due to transport costs.
Caithness implication
Expect 160–168p per litre locally at Wick/Thurso forecourts.
Gas Bills (Mains Gas)
Wholesale gas trend
UK natural gas futures recently surged over 20%, approaching 100p/therm due to Middle East supply disruption.
If high prices persist
Retail gas bills lag wholesale prices by 1–3 months.
Expected household impact:
8–15% increase in annual gas bills
For a typical UK home paying £1,600/year, that's £130–£240 extra per year.
Most rural Caithness homes do not have mains gas and rely on:
Heating oil (kerosene)
LPG cylinders
Electric heating
Solid fuel / stoves
So the gas‑bill impact is limited to the few properties connected to piped gas.
Heating Oil (Kerosene) — Critical for Caithness
Caithness is heavily dependent on heating oil. Local suppliers include:
Simpson Oils (Wick & Thurso)
Highland Fuels (serving the region)
Gleaner Ltd (North Scotland depots)
Expected impact
Heating oil tracks crude very closely.
If oil stays above $110:
10–20% increase in heating‑oil price
For a typical 1,000‑litre fill (currently ~£1,300–£1,400 in Scotland), expect:
£130–£280 extra per fill
Rural areas like Caithness often see higher delivery premiums, especially during weather disruptions.
LPG (Bottled Gas) — Important for Caithness
Local LPG suppliers include:
The Heat Centre, Wick (Calor Gas agent)
Expected impact
LPG prices follow both oil and shipping costs.
If crude stays above $110:
5–10% increase in LPG cylinder prices
A standard 47kg bottle could rise by £3–£6.
Why Caithness Is Hit Harder
1. Transport distance
Fuel must be trucked long distances to Wick/Thurso, adding 3–6p per litre to diesel and heating oil.
2. High reliance on off‑grid heating
Most homes use:
Heating oil
LPG
Electric storage heaters
These are more volatile than regulated mains‑gas tariffs.
3. Weather exposure
Storms and winter conditions often delay deliveries, causing temporary price spikes.
Local Caithness Energy & Heating Businesses (Useful for Quotes)
Here are the most relevant local suppliers: