MID-HUDSON – The average price of a gallon of home heating oil in the Mid-Hudson Valley has topped $6.25, a remarkable jump from the $3.75 per gallon recorded a year ago.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority said the record soaring prices are resulting from the conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.
It will be costing $675 more to fill an average 275-gallon tank than it did last year.
Ted Marsh of Carmel filled his tank Tuesday. “I couldn’t believe spending $1,481 on oil…and the heating season hasn’t even begun,” he said. “I told my wife and kids, there will be plenty of sweaters worn around the house this winter.”
Retiree Jorge Estevez of Patterson is fearful. “Living on a fixed income with these kinds of prices, it’s going to be very tough,” he said.
Rocco Lacertosa, head of the New York State Energy Coalition, which represents the heating oil industry, said the war in Iran was pushing prices higher and warned there was “no quick fix.” Even if a peace agreement were reached tomorrow, he said, the market would need time to stabilize and prices to return near normal.
Diesel fuel has also reached record highs. While the average price for a gallon of diesel in New York is $6.49, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, a Shell station in Carmel is selling diesel for $6.79 per gallon.
Government heating assistance is available for low-income households, but many middle-income families may find themselves making tough choices.
Mike Carlson of Brewster like other residents in the Putnam, Westchester, Dutchess region is not looking forward to the exorbitant prices of keeping his home warm this winter.
“Many of my neighbors have to make the difficult decision between putting food on the table and heating their homes,” he said.
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