State heating oil prices up 2 cents a gallon

AUGUSTA – Heating oil prices in Maine increased again this week, jumping 2 cents to an average of $1.56 a gallon, 53 cents more than a year ago.

The State Planning Office, in its weekly report on heating oil prices across the state, said international crude oil market pressures have had a significant impact on prices in the United States, as has a decision by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to not change current output quotas.

Lower temperatures, increased use of fuel stockpiles and record high natural gas prices also have had an impact on the heating oil market.

Across the state, prices ranged from a low of $1.43 in western sections to as much as $1.63 a gallon in eastern parts of the state.

Prices for kerosene also were up 2 cents to an average of $1.80 a gallon, while prices for propane were up one penny to $1.51 a gallon.