The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK competition regulator, has issued an open letter reminding domestic heating oil suppliers that consumer contract terms must be fair and transparent. The intervention follows concerns that some suppliers cancelled orders as heating oil prices and demand surged after the conflict in the Middle East. The CMA secured voluntary compensation from suppliers after finding that hundreds of customers who ordered through an intermediary site were affected. The warning focuses particularly on exclusion and limitation clauses that seek to reduce or remove suppliers’ liability for delays or failures to perform contracts. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, unfair terms and notices are not binding on consumers, while the CMA and other authorities can take enforcement action that could result in financial penalties. The CMA said suppliers should review their terms and conditions, including provisions dealing with market disruption.