Americans brace for brutal winter amid surging cost of heating oil

What happened: Americans who heat their homes with heating oil face higher costs this fall and winter, with prices up sharply and diesel prices also rising. Key numbers: Maine average heating oil price $5.97 per gallon as of Oct. 5, 2026. Diesel average $6.29 per gallon, nearly double last year. About 3% of U.S. Why it matters: Analysts link the increase to tight global distillate markets and Russia's diesel export ban. Natural gas and propane are seen as more insulated, and some customers are asking about converting systems.

Americans who heat their homes with heating oil face higher costs this fall and winter, with prices up sharply and diesel prices also rising.

Analysts link the increase to tight global distillate markets and Russia's diesel export ban. Natural gas and propane are seen as more insulated, and some customers are asking about converting systems.