Soaring heating oil prices put struggling Maine families in a bind
Summary
Heating oil prices in Maine have nearly doubled in one year, causing financial stress for families who rely on it for warmth. Community groups are providing limited help like free heating oil and firewood, but demand is very high, and supplies may run out before winter ends.Key Facts
- Heating oil prices in Maine rose from $3.34 to $5.97 per gallon in the past year, an increase of about 79%.
- Chris and Cheryl Oliver, earning about $60,000 a year, face hard choices between buying food or heating their home.
- Over 4 million U.S. households use heating oil, with 82% located in the Northeast.
- The Olivers received 100 gallons of free heating oil from a community center, worth about $700, but it is not enough for the winter.
- The Freeport Wood Bank provides firewood as an alternative heat source to families in need.
- The Wood Bank currently helps about 50 families but may run out of firewood supply by mid-winter.
- Rising heating oil costs have increased demand for wood firewood at local pantries.
- Chris Oliver has serious health problems, making heating support critical for their family.
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