US home heating oil costs to jump 50% this winter, NEADA projects

October 4, 2026 at 09:08 PM2 min

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The National Energy Assistance Directors Association projects US home heating oil costs will rise 50% this winter, adding nearly $900 to the average household bill. The increase affects 4.8 million households, mostly in the Northeast and Alaska, as diesel prices hit record highs above $6.50 a gallon. Heating oil now averages $5.96 a gallon in Maine, $5.91 in Connecticut, and $5.87 in Vermont.

Key Facts

Heating oil costs are expected to jump 50% this winter, adding nearly $900 to the average home's heating bill, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
4.8 million US households, mostly in the Northeast and Alaska, use heating oil.
Diesel prices have topped $6.50 a gallon, breaking an all-time record.
A gallon of heating oil now averages $5.96 in Maine, $5.87 in Vermont, and $5.91 in Connecticut.
The Iran War has disrupted exporters' ability to reliably pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while escalating Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries have limited another key source of supply.

Price Surge

Heating oil costs are expected to jump 50% this winter, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. The increase adds nearly $900 to the average home's heating bill. Diesel prices have topped $6.50 a gallon, breaking an all-time record. Heating oil is nearly identical to diesel, and diesel prices have continued to rise while crude oil prices have plateaued.

Regional Impact

A gallon of heating oil now averages $5.96 in Maine, where more than half the state relies on oil, the highest share anywhere in the country. Prices are $5.87 in Vermont and $5.91 in Connecticut, meaning 100 gallons, a common minimum order threshold, comes out to nearly $600. During the winter months, a typical home relying on heating oil alone can run through 100 gallons in a few weeks. Homeowners have been making tough choices: fill up now, or hold off in hopes that prices fall in the months ahead.

Supply Disruptions

The Iran War has disrupted exporters' ability to reliably pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Escalating Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries have limited another key source of supply. Higher seasonal demand collides with ongoing supply shocks, pushing diesel and heating oil prices to record levels.