The Northeast's heavy reliance on heating oil is turning into a severe burden as prices hit record highs. About 82% of U.S. households that use heating oil are in the region, and the fuel now costs roughly $6 a gallon, up from the mid-$3 range in February. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association projects a 50% increase in home heating costs this winter, or about $878 per household.
The price spike is tied to global supply disruptions. The war with Iran has reduced ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for diesel, while Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have further tightened supply. The impact is uneven: Vermont and Maine could see a 76% jump. The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is struggling to keep up, and Massachusetts' governor has declared a state of emergency.
For households with oil furnaces, switching is difficult. Space heaters and wood stoves are options but may be inefficient or impractical. Natural gas furnaces are costly to install, and weatherization projects take time, though some states offer funding. A mild El Niño winter could ease the pain, but many residents are worried and uncertain about how to manage the bills.