Residents living in rural parts of the Isle of Wight are searching high and low for alternative fuel supplies amid an ongoing crisis surrounding Solent Fuels and the subsequent issues with Certas, as a result of the increased demand.
Last week, Solent Fuels wrote to customers to state that they had suspended all deliveries of heating oil, diesel and gas oil across the Isle of Wight. It comes as the company finds itself in a financially turbulent time.
Solent Fuels was established in 2021 following the closure of the Isle of Wight Fuel depot in East Cowes. The firm set up a depot at Park Green Farm, off Forest Road in Newport, but has been stuck in a legal battle with the Isle of Wight Council since.
Last month an appeal against the refusal of retrospective planning permission was dismissed. In the days that followed, Island Echo is told that a digger was parked across the entrance way by a creditor, to prevent access.
The situation has led to an influx of enquiries to Certas, which appear to be struggling to keep up with the sudden extra demand. It’s said the firm – which opened a wet depot at Whippingham in September 2023 – is utilising extra lorries to help get oil delivered as quickly as possible to as many Islanders as possible.
Residents have reported running completely dry whilst awaiting deliveries, reportedly taking as long as 4-6 weeks. Some have been forced to use an electric heater to warm a single room.
Some households are now switching to a company called YOBCo. One local has said they have been quoted around 65p per litre with YOBCo, which they say is cheaper than what they were previously paying with Solent Fuels.
UPDATE FRIDAY – A Certas spokesperson HAS said:
“Certas Energy is not currently experiencing any known supply issues to its customers on the Isle of Wight.
“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 in review.”
