Heating Oil Prices Hit Record Highs in Maine and Michigan

Heating oil prices have surged to record levels across the Northeast and Midwest, creating significant financial strain for residents and small businesses. In Maine, the statewide average reached a record $6.02 per gallon as of September 21, 2026, an 81% increase over the previous year. This surpasses the 2022 record set following the invasion of Ukraine, leaving households paying roughly $740 more to fill a standard 275-gallon tank.

Similar trends are appearing in rural Michigan, where prices have climbed to nearly $6.50 per gallon. Smith Oil & Propane is advising customers to switch to propane, which currently costs $2 per gallon, noting that a single oil delivery is insufficient to last a customer through the winter. The Michigan Association of United Ways reports a 38% year-over-year increase in requests for utility assistance via the Michigan 211 service.

Beyond home heating, fuel costs are impacting Maine's commercial sector. AAA reports gasoline averages of $4.43 and diesel at $6.50 per gallon, with September on track for a monthly record. Local business owners have responded by implementing fuel surcharges or scaling back delivery services. Experts attribute the volatility to the war in Iran affecting crude oil prices, though they note that pump prices often lag behind decreases in crude costs.