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Price of heating oil drops to €1.33-1.35 per litre in Corfu

heating oil
16 Jan 2024 / 10:16

CORFU. Orders have started, but customers are still exercising caution and payments are mainly by card.

Since the beginning of the new year, heating oil has become available at more economical prices in Corfu, due to the international drop in fuel prices. Orders have picked up now that we are in the heart of winter, but but customers are still exercising caution.

The President of Corfu Petrol Dealers Association, Antonis Sakkos, told Enimerosi that the current price of heating oil is in the range of 1.33 to 1.35 Euros per litre.

Availability began in mid-October last year at a price of 1.47 to 1.50 Euros per litre, gradually decreasing by 7-10 cents with further de-escalation in the new year. However, compared to other regions in the country, the price of heating oil remains high, partly due to transportation costs, making it a considerable expense for household budgets.

Mr. Sakkos said that despite the price drop, consumers find it challenging to refill their tanks due to the overall financial strain on households. Orders continue to be placed with caution and for specific amounts, just enough to cover current needs.

 

"Just like last year, orders started much later than the commencement of heating oil distribution," he said. "Currently, we are dealing with weather-related issues as we are in the heart of winter. Refills are scarce, though, as the general cost of living has affected the orders."

Another observation is that payments for oil purchases are mainly made by card and not in cash, as in the past. Many consumers now face liquidity problems. "Most pay by card, spending a maximum of 250 Euros to get oil and trying to stretch it out as much as possible until they need to order again," explained Mr. Sakkos.

Drop in price of unleaded petrol

There has also been a decrease in the price of unleaded petrol, which had reached 2 Euros per litre. Currently, the price at the island's filling stations ranges from 1.85 to 1.87 Euros, while diesel for vehicles is priced at 1.66-1.68 Euros per litre.

"Prices have fallen globally, but the situation in the Middle East is concerning, and we hope fuel prices will not be adversely affected," concluded Mr. Sakkos.

MARIA BAZDRIYIANNI