How Much Will Heating Oil Cost This Winter?
By windflash · Published Oct 18, 2026 · Updated Oct 18, 2026
The short answer
EIA's outlook for the 2026–27 winter has households that heat with oil spending about $2,115, up 21% from last winter, with heating oil at about $5.26 per gallon (up 34%). EIA press release (October 2026).
- Heating oil: $2,115 (up 21%)
- Electricity: $1,196 (up 4%)
- Natural gas: $640 (down 9%)
- Propane: $1,246 (down 3%)
This week's heating oil price
The U.S. average residential price was $6.14 per gallon for the week of Oct 12, 2026. See every state on the heating oil prices by state page.
Why two different prices? The $5.26 figure above is EIA's outlook for the winter as a whole. The $6.14 figure is one weekly survey of what households were paying. They are different EIA measures, so they will not match.
Estimated winter heating oil bill by state
Our estimate for a 2,000 sq ft home with average insulation and an 83% efficient furnace, using normal October–March weather and this week's state price. This is not EIA's household figure.
| Connecticut | $6.094 | 439 | $2,675 |
| Massachusetts | $6.116 | 453 | $2,769 |
| Maine | $5.969 | 561 | $3,346 |
| New Hampshire | $6.029 | 531 | $3,201 |
| Rhode Island | $6.304 | 423 | $2,668 |
| Vermont | $6.034 | 549 | $3,313 |
| New York | $6.335 | 450 | $2,849 |
| Pennsylvania | $6.014 | 426 | $2,559 |
| New Jersey | $6.313 | 394 | $2,485 |
| Delaware | $6.305 | 346 | $2,180 |
| Maryland | $6.246 | 350 | $2,186 |
Ways to lower your heating oil bill
- Check your delivery terms. Compare the per-gallon price, delivery fees and minimum delivery with other dealers.
- Understand price-lock and pre-buy contracts. They fix your price for a set number of gallons, which helps if prices rise and costs more if they fall.
- Cut heat loss. Air sealing and insulation reduce the gallons you need. A home energy audit can show where to start.
- Look for fuel assistance. The federal LIHEAP program helps eligible households with heating bills; apply through your state's program.
Should you switch to a heat pump?
Our heat pump cost calculator compares running costs against oil in your state. Note that the federal 25C tax credit ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How much will heating oil cost this winter?
EIA's winter outlook expects households that heat with oil to spend about $2,115 this winter, up 21% from last winter. The average price this week is $6.14 per gallon.
Is heating oil more expensive than propane this winter?
By EIA's outlook, households using heating oil would spend about $2,115 against $1,246 for propane, $640 for natural gas and $1,196 for electricity. Averages cover different homes and regions.
Is there a federal tax credit for heat pumps?
The federal 25C tax credit ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. Some state and utility rebates may still be available.