Heating Oil Prices Expected to Surge

[buzzsaw_23]

Heating Oil Prices Expected to Surge

Sunday September 11, 2005 9:16 PM

By DAVID SHARP

Associated Press Writer

AUBURN, Maine (AP) - Richard F. Smith tried to prepare for high heating oil prices: He applied for home heating assistance, he's ready to seal off three unused rooms, and he has insulated his cellar and electrical outlets.

Despite all that, the 75-year-old expects to dip into his life savings to keep warm this winter, even with federal heating assistance.

``People are concerned but what the hell can you do?'' said Smith, who lives alone with his cat Sam in a seven-room house built in 1820.

With fuel prices surging because of Hurricane Katrina, there are no guarantees heating oil won't hit an unprecedented $3 a gallon. Last year's average of $1.95 per gallon in Maine was already enough to make customers wince.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5270935,00.html

[jaxx]

1. Natural gas prices too

First they said 70% in the midwest and now it's all the way down to a 44% increase. I hope we have a warm winter.

[all.of.me]

3. i called about propane on september 1

they said it's 1.65, whereas it was about 1.25 a year ago. i asked if it was expected to go up, and she said yes. this will hurt.

i burn wood for heat, and i'm sure that will go up, too, since around here, the guys go right up into the mountains and get it themselves. that's alot of gas. last year, i don't gas was under $2, but i don't remember exactly.

[TheCowsCameHome]

2. And Bush's numbers are expected to drop like a Rove kidney stone

Action and reaction.