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South Portland Today
By the People, for the People
Maine Heating Oil Prices Surge Over 20% in a Week
State data shows heating oil, kerosene, and propane costs have spiked amid global oil market volatility.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:53pm
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The average cost of heating oil in Maine rose 89 cents per gallon, or 22.6%, between March 2 and March 13, according to state data. Kerosene prices also jumped 16.9% to $5.80 per gallon, while propane increased about 1.8% to $3.42 on average across the state. The price hikes come after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, sending shockwaves through global oil markets.
Why it matters
With nearly half of Maine households still relying on heating oil as their primary heat source, the sharp price increases will significantly impact household budgets, especially for low- and moderate-income residents. The state is urging residents to apply for heating assistance programs to help offset the rising costs.
The details
The average cost of a gallon of heating oil in Maine rose from $3.94 on March 2 to $4.83 on March 13, according to the Maine Department of Energy Resources. This represents a 22.6% spike in just over a week. Kerosene prices also jumped 16.9% to $5.80 per gallon, while propane increased about 1.8% to $3.42 on average across the state. The price hikes came after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, sending shockwaves through the global oil market.
- On March 2, the average cost of heating oil was $3.94 per gallon.
- By March 13, the average cost of heating oil had risen to $4.83 per gallon.
The players
Maine Department of Energy Resources
The state agency that tracks and reports on energy prices in Maine.
MaineHousing
The state housing authority that administers heating assistance programs for low- and moderate-income residents.
Dan Brennan
The director of MaineHousing.
Dan Burgess
The acting commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources.
What they’re saying
“Maine has for years worked to reduce residents' dependency on heating oil and this conflict again underscores why it is imperative we reduce our exposure to volatile global energy markets.”
— Dan Burgess, Acting Commissioner, Maine Department of Energy Resources
“MaineHousing and our community action agency partners across Maine stand ready to help as we head through the final weeks of winter and energy prices continue to climb.”
— Dan Brennan, Director, MaineHousing
What’s next
MaineHousing is reminding residents that they can apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) until May 29 to help offset the rising heating costs. Applications for the state's Energy Crisis Intervention Program, which provides one-time payments of up to $500 for households without heat or low on fuel, remain open until April 30.
The takeaway
The sharp rise in heating oil, kerosene, and propane prices in Maine underscores the state's ongoing challenge to reduce its reliance on volatile global energy markets. With nearly half of Maine households still using heating oil, the price hikes will significantly impact household budgets, especially for low- and moderate-income residents, making heating assistance programs critical in the final weeks of winter.
