People are being urged to install fuel alarms and screen their tanks as fuel prices continue to soar amid supply shortages caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

Households in rural areas are particularly vulnerable, with criminals exploiting the surge in prices by selling stolen fuel on the black market, according to reports from both Norfolk and Suffolk Police.

It comes as hundreds of people across the region have been unable to get hold of heating oil after having their orders cancelled by distributors.

Customers of Norfolk-based Goff Petroleum, which delivers kerosene heating oil across East Anglia and the South East, have been told they will not receive their orders on time unless they pay a higher price to reflect current inflated fuel prices.

Customers say the cost of their heating oil has doubled.

Goff customers in East Anglia have had their heating oil orders cancelled because of the conflict in the Middle East (Image: Goff)

Around 1.5 million homes in the UK are heated using oil, usually stored in tanks in gardens to supply their boilers.

Heating oil is mostly used by households in rural areas. Users are not protected by the energy price cap, unlike mains gas and electricity customers.

Seven out of the 10 areas where heating oil is most commonly used are found in the east of England, according to 2021 Census data.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance, said it comes as "no surprise" that criminals are looking to profit off the back of a hike in oil prices by "preying on rural communities".

"An oil tank can be drained within minutes," she said. "A tank that is not properly protected will make an easy target for thieves looking to make some quick cash.

"With oil being liquid gold right now, following theft preventative advice from local constabularies is essential."

Goff, based in Wymondham, has offered its customers various options.

They can either keep their existing order to be delivered this month, but pay an amended price; cancel their order and receive a full refund if they paid in advance; or keep their existing order at the agreed price, which will only be delivered when Goff can purchase fuel at pre-conflict prices.

Goff Petroleum, based in Wymondham, delivers kerosene heating oil to homes and businesses across East Anglia (Image: Goff)

A statement on its website reads: "Unfortunately, we are experiencing significant supply problems for kerosene heating oil due to the ongoing war in the Persian Gulf.

"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 todays’ prices.

"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."

Police have issued the following guidance to help people prevent heating oil theft:

Hide the location of the tank

Fit your oil tank with a padlock or lockable filler cap

Secure the oil tank within a cage

Install lockable gates

Fit an electronic gauge, which can activate an alarm when the oil level drops

Fit security lights near to the oil tank location

© Eastern Daily Press