14-03-2025
'Heating oil supply crisis has left me anxious' says woman with incurable cancer
An Isle of Wight woman with incurable cancer is among the many Islanders struggling to heat their homes, the County Press can reveal, amid growing "anxiety" and concern over oil supply issues.
Sarah Waldron, from Chillerton, has been unable to source new oil for six weeks, leaving her "distressed" her tank could run dry at any minute.
The issue has prompted Isle of Wight East MP Joe Robertson to pen a letter to the Minister for Energy, asking the government to "urgently review the situation".
Like many other residents living in rural parts of the Island, Sarah relies on an oil tank to provide heating and hot water to her home.
Read more:
Islanders left without heating as major oil supplier 'pauses operations'
Isle of Wight company Solent Fuels suspends deliveries
Solent Fuels, a leading supplier of kerosene oil on the Island, recently announced it was 'pausing operations', blaming the combination of restricted credit and unpredictable supply, placing the company in a "financially unsustainable position."
Sarah ordered through the firm at the beginning of February and was initially quoted two weeks.
More than a month later, and after being reassured she would be on the 'next urgent batch', the oil never arrived.
Sarah then contacted Certas Energy, which told her there were delays due to increased demand.
Oil tank in Sarah's garden (Image: IWCP) Sarah, who has secondary cancer, told the County Press: "A bath for me everyday is really important because it just eases the pain a little bit.
"We haven't put the heating on in ages. Luckily we've had nice weather and haven't needed and we've got something in the lounge to heat that.
"I am really anxious about it."
Sarah said her husband contacted Solent Fuels disclosing her cancer diagnosis and the firm gave "a partial refund".
She has now resorted to ordering from mainland firm, Tank Topper and is awaiting delivery.
Sarah is one of many affected Islanders who have contacted the County Press over the last week.
Sophie Ross, from Upper Adgestone, said she has spent the first three months of the year living without much heating or hot water.
Solent Fuels has not responded to request for comment but in a letter to customers, CEO David Grannum, the former boss of Isle of Wight Fuels, said: "We understand that this news may be concerning, especially for those of you who rely on us for heating oil, farm diesel and commercial diesel.
"Please be assured that our commitment to the Isle of Wight community remains unwavering."
Despite residents' concerns, Certas Energy said "it is not currently experiencing any known supply issues"
A spokesperson said: "We remain well stocked and continue to work to supply customers on the Island as efficiently as the infrastructure allows.
"As always, we will continue to keep our supply situation on the Island under review."
Joe Robertson MP told the CP he is "very concerned" and has been contacted by several East Wight residents.
'I am in direct contact with both Solent Fuels and Certas to request an urgent update on the situation and the steps being taken to resolve it", he said.
Isle of Wight West MP Richard Quigley has not responded to request for comment.
Charity the Footprint Trust, which helps Islanders keep warm and well in their homes, said it shared concerns about shortages.
Speaking to the County Press, Laura Stitchbury offered the following advice: "Alternative temporary heating is likely to be from electric, plug in heaters, which, whilst costly to run, will provide emergency warmth.
"Plug in oil filled radiators are best for space heating, whilst halogen heaters are a lower cost solution for heating a person in a limited space. Care should be taken that heaters do not present a fire hazard.
"You can warm up through use of hot water bottles, heated blankets and electric blankets.
"And of course, keeping curtains drawn when it gets dark and draughtproofing will help to keep warmth inside your home.
"Our team of energy guides are helping by providing emergency heating for low income homes and assisting with energy reduction."
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said: "We are aware of some issues around the supply of domestic heating oil on the Island, whilst customers transition from one supplier to another.
"Customers were advised by Solent Fuels to contact alternative companies and as a result will need to meet the terms of delivery of a new supplier.
'Any resident that is concerned around the cost of heating their home, including those who depend on heating fuel deliveries, can visit our Cost of living pages.
"If you are a vulnerable adult and feel that you need further assistance or know someone who is, please call our Adult Social Care team on 01983 823340 for help and information.''
