The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it has received "a number of concerning reports" in recent days from customers who rely on heating oil that have had their orders cancelled before being offered new quotes at significantly higher prices.

Customers of Norfolk-based Goff Petroleum, which delivers heating oil across East Anglia and the South East, say their orders have doubled in price.

The firm said it is "experiencing significant supply problems" due to "unprecedented" global fuel prices and supply shortages caused by the conflict.

Goff customers in East Anglia have had their heating oil orders cancelled (Image: Goff)

Around 1.5 million homes in the UK are heated using oil, mostly in rural areas.

Steffan Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk, said he is "deeply concerned" about firms "unfairly profiteering" from the conflict.

Unlike mains gas and electricity customers, households that use heating oil are not protected by the energy price cap.

Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said while some price rises are inevitable, customers must be treated fairly.

"We’ve heard troubling reports from heating oil customers about cancelled orders and sudden price increases and are moving quickly to get to the bottom of these concerns," she said.

The CMA said it is writing to a number of firms to seek further information about their practices.

The watchdog would not confirm whether Wymondham-based Goff was one of the firms it had contacted.

It said that it should not be assumed that any businesses have broken consumer protection law.

Customers say the price of their heating oil has doubled since the start of the conflict (Image: Goff)

In a statement, Goff said that the "volatility of the global kerosene market has led to unprecedented price inflation and shortage of supply".

"We only store one and a half to two days' product and rely on daily collections from refineries bought at today’s prices," it said.

"As we have no ability to control the price, we find ourselves in an unprecedented situation.

"We will do everything we can to maintain supply to our loyal and valued customers."

Homeowners and businesses are now having their heating oil stolen by thieves believed to be siphoning fuel from tanks in gardens to sell on the black market.

Norfolk Police said it has received two reports of heating oil thefts and one red diesel theft since the start of the conflict.

Meanwhile, Suffolk Police have confirmed that thieves have recently targeted two properties in the Woodbridge area.

People are being urged to install fuel alarms and screen their tanks.

© Eastern Daily Press