Massachusetts Heating Oil Prices Soar 74% Amid Volatility
Heating oil prices are expected to be volatile this winter in Massachusetts, according to Joe Diamond, executive director of MASSCAP. The average price per gallon has jumped $0.18 in one week from $5.98 to $6.15, a 74% increase compared to last year's $3.52 per gallon.
Diamond worries that even with federal and state money, many residents may not be able to cover their heating costs. Filling up a typical 275-gallon tank at $6 per gallon would cost $1,650, which is unaffordable for low-income households.
Charlie Uglietto, president of Cubby Oil and Energy in Wilmington, suggests that customers can mitigate high pricing through price cap programs and budget plans. He advises talking directly to home heating oil service providers to work out payment plans.