Iran Conflict Drives Up Home Heating Costs in Western Pennsylvania

As fall weather approaches, home heating costs are spiking across Western Pennsylvania. For Sam Avampato, a 73-year-old Hunker resident, this means paying $5.99 per gallon for heating oil - more than double what he paid last year.

The price hike is largely due to the global oil supply crunch caused by the ongoing conflict with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for a third of the world's oil supply. Export Fuel Co.'s General Manager Kristen Zawoyski said that the trickle-down effect began affecting customers months ago.

Heating oil prices are expected to increase by 31.3%, compared to natural gas at 5.8%, propane at 8.7%, and electricity at 9%. Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, is urging Congress to bump funding for the federal LIHEAP program from $4 billion to $7 billion to help low-income families cope with rising heating costs.

For Avampato, who has heated his home with oil since 1977, the price increase is a significant burden. He plans to buy the minimal amount of fuel needed and hopes that prices will eventually drop.