The price of heating fuel in Maine has continued to climb, now up 30 percent since February 23.
The DOER pointed out in a Thursday press release that this spike occurred following the start of the conflict in Iran.
The statewide average price per gallon of heating oil increased from $3.82 on February 23 to $4.97 per gallon on March 16, according to the results of a survey conducted by the DOER. Kerosene prices rose to $5.87 per gallon.
Heating fuel prices are updated weekly by the DOER and available to view here.
[RELATED: Maine Heating Fuel Prices Climb]
“As conflicts abroad continue to drive energy prices higher, Maine families are once again feeling the impact — a direct result of our dependence on foreign oil,” said Dan Burgess, Acting Commissioner of the DOER.
“With rising costs and more cold weather on the way, we encourage consumers to stay informed of current fuel prices, review incentive options through Efficiency Maine, and to contact their Community Action Agency if they need immediate relief,” Burgess said.
Click Here to Read the DOER’s Full Press Release
The DOER went on to urge Mainers in need of aid to apply for help through the state’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which is accepting applications through May 29. At this time, there is not a waitlist for benefits.
Households facing a crisis situation and in need of immediate help may qualify for the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), which provides a one-time benefit of up to $500.
To be eligible, households must qualify for HEAP assistance and be without heat or with less than a seven-day supply of fuel. ECIP applications will remain open until April 30, 2026.
[RELATED: Applications for Home Heating Assistance Open Through May 29, Crisis Help Available Until April 30]
According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Maine had the twelfth highest per gallon residential propane prices in the nation, as well as the tenth highest per gallon residential fuel oil prices.
