Maine heating oil prices hit another record high
The Maine Department of Energy Resources announced Thursday that heating oil prices in the state have hit another record high.
The average statewide price of heating oil is $6.05 per gallon this week, up one cent from last week and three cents from a record $6.02 set in September.
Costs are up 82% over this time last year, according to the department. At this price, Mainers will spend about $750 more filling a standard 275-gallon oil tank than they did last fall.
“Heating oil prices in Maine are now breaking records week after week, putting growing pressure on Maine families as temperatures continue to drop,” Celina Cunningham, the department’s acting commissioner, said in a written statement. “I encourage Maine people to stay informed of current prices, review incentive options through Efficiency Maine, and to contact their Community Action Agency if they need immediate relief.”
Since the war with Iran began in late February, Maine heating oil prices have spiked roughly 57%.
Mainers consume more residential heating oil per capita than any other state, according to the department, and significantly more than other New England states. Roughly half of Maine households rely on heating oil.
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Drew is the night reporter for the Portland Press Herald. He previously covered South Portland, Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth for the Sentry, Leader and Southern Forecaster. Though he is from Massachusetts,. More by Drew Johnson
