Heating oil before winter: Almost 75 percent dearer than a year ago, Destatis says

Households in Germany that heat with oil face much higher bills ahead of winter. According to price portal Heizoel24, the national average price on Oct. 21, 2026 was about 174 euros per 100 litres (for an order of 3,000 litres, as of the morning). According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), light heating oil was 74.9 percent more expensive in September 2026 than a year earlier; compared with August alone, the price rose 18.5 percent.

Heizoel24 cites tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where freight costs have risen to about 20 dollars a barrel, according to Goldman Sachs, and falling US stocks of heating oil and diesel as reasons. North Sea Brent crude cost about 110 US dollars a barrel on Oct. 21. Germany's inflation rate was 3.3 percent in September, according to Destatis, with energy up 14.9 percent and motor fuels up 37.1 percent.

Not all energy sources became more expensive: according to Destatis, electricity cost 5.5 percent less in September than a year earlier, natural gas 2.8 percent less and district heating 1.0 percent less. Firewood, pellets and other solid fuels, however, were 15.6 percent above the previous year. Food prices rose only 0.4 percent overall; butter was 29.5 percent cheaper, while eggs were 15.2 percent dearer.