Despite the drop in temperature, demand for heating oil remains at particularly low levels, as consumers are reluctant to place orders due to higher prices. Most are waiting for temperatures to drop further and for the 13th-month bonus to be paid before purchasing the necessary quantities.
Speaking on the “Alpha Kalimera” program, the spokesperson for gas station owners, Christodoulos Christodoulou, noted that the market remains sluggish, with citizens mainly limiting themselves to asking exploratory questions about the cost. “No, people haven’t started asking for heating oil yet. They’re just discussing the price. Last week we had about a dozen orders—small orders of 200–300 liters—but that’s as far as it goes,” he noted, adding that there are still no orders for filling tanks to capacity.
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Referring to prices, Mr. Christodoulou pointed out that heating oil is currently selling for about €1.58–€1.59 per liter, representing, according to him, an increase of about 60 cents compared to the same period last year. “The price is approaching 1.60; that is, it’s at 1.58–1.59. It’s about 60 cents more expensive than last year. That’s the big problem,” he said, adding that no further increases are expected in the near future.
Comparing this year’s situation with the same period last year, the gas station owners’ representative explained that last year consumers placed orders earlier, even without an immediate need for heating. “Last year at this time, people—even if they weren’t using heating oil—would fill their tanks so they’d be ready when needed,” he said. At the same time, he noted that very few households have reserves left over from the previous winter.
Regarding the expected increase in demand, Mr. Christodoulou estimated that it would occur once temperatures drop significantly and the holidays approach. “Temperatures need to drop considerably, and the holidays need to be approaching,” he noted, explaining that consumers are expected to exhaust their patience, particularly by December, when many will receive their 13th-month salary. At the same time, he noted that there have been slight decreases in the price of motor fuels, with one company having reduced the price of 95- and 98-octane gasoline by two cents.
In conclusion, the gas station owners’ representative estimated that this year’s winter season will be marked by smaller orders, as rising costs make it difficult to fully replenish inventories. “People will wait until the last minute. Especially once December rolls around, so they can get their 13th-month bonus, have a little spending money, and fill up a bit. Because they’ll only fill up a little this year. No one is going to fill up their tank. It’s not worth it this year for many people and many households,” he emphasized.
