Soaring Heating Prices Put Struggling Maine Families in a Bind as Winter Nears
Heating costs rise sharply
The Olivers, who live in Freeport, Maine, are making difficult choices as they try to get by on roughly $60,000 a year. Heating oil has risen steeply, following considerable increases in diesel and gas prices since the start of the Iran war.
A gallon of heating oil cost $3.34 one year ago and is now $5.97, an increase of roughly 79%. Cheryl Oliver said the price has left her worried about filling the tank and keeping the home warm.
Wood bank sees high demand
Tony DiMarco, co-founder of the Freeport Wood Bank, said demand for the firewood pantry is currently extremely high. The organization operates on donations. DiMarco said people may not fully understand the impact of heating oil costing twice as much as last year, especially when they were already spending as much as they did then.
Firewood offers relief
This week, DiMarco brought the Olivers two free cords of firewood to help them stretch their heating oil. The assistance offers support to a family already facing hardship. Chris Oliver lost one leg to diabetes and later had a heart attack.
Key points
- Maine heating oil rose from $3.34 to $5.97 per gallon in a year.
- The increase amounts to roughly 79%.
- The Freeport Wood Bank reports extremely high demand for donated firewood.
- The Olivers received two free cords to help reduce their oil use.