Massachusetts Heating Oil Prices Surge Nearly 70% Amid Global Tensions

Heating oil prices in Massachusetts have skyrocketed to $5.98 per gallon, a nearly 70% increase from last year. This price surge is largely due to high crude oil, gasoline, and diesel costs, with the Northeast region being particularly affected.

According to Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), 'It is a northeast problem.' He explains that heating oil is used heavily in rural areas where natural gas pipelines are insufficient, resulting in households paying more for both gasoline and heating oil.

The U.S. war in Iran and the Russia-Ukraine conflict are contributing to these high prices, with diesel fuel averaging $6.50 per gallon, according to AAA.

Despite projections of a warmer winter due to El Niño, residents in New England can expect their heating costs to increase by an average of $548 this year compared to last year.