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If you rely on paraffin heaters, oil lamps, or small stoves, kerosene is still one of the simplest fuels to store and use. It’s versatile, burns relatively clean compared with heavier oils, and is widely available across the country. Whether you live in the countryside or in a suburban cottage, having a reliable source of kerosene can make winter evenings more comfortable and help keep outdoor tasks moving when mains options aren’t practical.
Not all kerosene is identical, and knowing what you need will save you time and money. Domestic kerosene (often simply called paraffin) is refined for heating and lamps. There are legal and quality differences between kerosene meant for domestic appliances and industrial blends used in engines or turbines. Always choose the grade recommended by your heater or appliance manufacturer.
Domestic paraffin is formulated to reduce deposits and soot in heaters and lamps. Industrial kerosene may contain additives or contaminants that shorten appliance life. If you’re filling a 5-gallon jerrycan for a heater, buy domestic-grade paraffin to protect your equipment and keep emissions cleaner.
Some merchants offer winter-treated paraffin or additives that improve cold-weather flow and reduce icing in filters. If you live in an area that sees hard freezes, a winter-grade product can be a small investment with big peace of mind.
Big-name UK retailers are often the first stop for many buyers because they’re easy to find and generally stock standard container sizes. Here are common outlets where people go to buy paraffin:
Screwfix is a go-to for trade and DIY customers, and they frequently stock portable containers of kerosene suitable for domestic use. Their shops and online store make it simple to pick up a 5-gallon container on the way home from a job or shopping trip.
B&Q has long been popular for home heating supplies, including paraffin for portable heaters and lamps. If you prefer to see the product and packaging before you buy, high-street branches give you that choice and often offer a good range of container sizes.
Homebase commonly stocks kerosene for domestic customers, and garden-centre-style branches can be handy if you’re already buying outdoor equipment. They tend to carry standard jerrycans that are easy to pour and store safely.
Builders’ merchants like Travis Perkins and Jewson supply trade customers and homeowners alike. They often sell larger containers and can be a great choice if you want to buy in bulk and save on the per-gallon price.
In villages and rural towns, garden centres and farm shops frequently stock paraffin during autumn and winter. These suppliers can be especially useful when you need fuel at short notice and prefer a nearby option rather than travelling several miles.
If convenience and home delivery matter to you, online fuel merchants and specialist retailers often compete on price, especially for larger orders. These suppliers can deliver directly to your door in quantities ranging from a few gallons to full domestic heating tanks.
Specialist fuel websites list domestic kerosene and offer next-day delivery to many postcodes. They frequently run promotions on bulk buys, so comparing price per gallon across merchants can lead to meaningful savings.
Small independent fuel merchants often serve a tight radius but provide a personal touch. They’ll sometimes deliver odd-sized orders, help with safe placement, and advise on storage. A local supplier can be a lifesaver when the weather closes in and you need fuel quickly.
Price per gallon is the clearest way to compare offers. Stores selling small 5-gallon cans will usually charge more per gallon than bulk deliveries. If you use kerosene regularly, buying in larger volumes often reduces the unit cost. Don’t forget to factor in any delivery charges when comparing online merchants.
Smaller cans are great for occasional use or portable heaters, but a bulk delivery to a tank is usually cheaper per gallon. If your winter routine uses a heater for many hours each day, a bulk top-up might save you considerable money over the season.
Prices can move with demand and crude oil markets. Shopping ahead of the cold snap or watching for retailer promotions can trim costs. Also, some stores discount kerosene when switching seasonal stock — a little timing goes a long way.
Storing kerosene safely is not optional — it’s essential. Use approved containers, store fuel in a cool, ventilated area away from living spaces, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. Make sure the container is marked clearly as kerosene to avoid accidental misuse.
Use a proper jerrycan marked for paraffin and fitted with a secure cap and spill-proof spout. Most households stick to 5-gallon or 10-gallon containers for portability. Avoid storing large quantities in the house; even a 10-gallon stash can be hazardous if not kept correctly.
Place your kerosene only in a well-ventilated outbuilding or garage with good ventilation and away from ignition sources. Think of fuel storage like storing piles of autumn leaves — dry and tidy prevents problems.
Empty, rinsed paraffin containers should be handled according to local hazardous waste guidance. Many local councils have collection points or take-back schemes for empty fuel cans. Don’t toss them with general household waste — that could be harmful to refuse crews and the environment.
Efficiency is about more than the heater you buy — it’s how you use it. Keeping a heater clean and well-maintained, using timers, and insulating rooms can stretch every gallon further. Think of good practice as squeezing more heat per gallon from the same fuel.
Regular cleaning and servicing keeps burners efficient and reduces fuel use. A well-maintained heater burns cleaner and wastes less kerosene, so schedule a check before the cold months arrive.
Small measures like draft-proofing windows, closing doors to unused rooms, and using a heavy curtain can reduce heat loss dramatically. The warmer the room stays, the less fuel you’ll burn to keep it comfortable — an easy win for your budget.
People often ask whether kerosene mixes with diesel, whether it damages appliances, or how long the fuel lasts in storage. The short answers are: don’t mix fuels unless an appliance manufacturer permits it; use grade-appropriate kerosene to protect appliances; and store fuel in sealed containers away from sunlight to preserve it for months.
Properly stored kerosene in sealed containers will remain usable for months. Avoid exposure to water and contamination. If fuel smells off or looks cloudy, don’t risk it in your heater — dispose of it safely and replace it from a reputable merchant.
Only use kerosene in appliances that the manufacturer explicitly approves for that fuel. Using the wrong fuel can cause poor performance, soot, or dangerous failure. Check your heater or lamp manual before refilling.
Which store you choose depends on convenience, quantity, and price sensitivity. If you need a single 5-gallon can this afternoon, a national DIY store or garden centre is likely your fastest option. If you’re topping up a tank or want the best unit price, call a fuel merchant or check online specialists and compare price per gallon.
High street stores win on convenience; online merchants and bulk suppliers win on cost. Think about how often you use kerosene: occasional users may accept a higher per-gallon price for convenience, while steady users should favour bulk deals.
Local suppliers can offer tailored advice and often bend over backwards to help in tight spots. If you live off the beaten track, a local merchant who knows your area can be worth the slightly higher cost for the reliability and service they provide.
Before you hand over your credit card or pick up a jerrycan, run through a quick checklist: is this domestic-grade paraffin? How many gallons do I need? Where will I store it safely? Does the price include delivery? A little prep now prevents a lot of stress later.
Buying kerosene in the UK is straightforward once you know where to look and what to check. From national DIY chains to local fuel merchants and online specialists, there are options to suit occasional users and regular consumers alike. Prioritise domestic-grade fuel, compare price per gallon when possible, and always store kerosene safely in approved containers. With the right habits, you’ll keep warm and avoid unnecessary cost or risk this winter.
