Key facts
- Northeast Democrats urged Energy Secretary Chris Wright to address surging heating oil costs.
- Lawmakers blamed President Donald Trump's policies and the conflict with Iran for the price surge.
- Heating oil prices are approximately 60% higher than before the conflict.
- Families may spend an additional $600 on heating this winter.
- About one-third of New England homes use heating oil, with some states at 50%.
- President Trump signed an order expanding access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel.
Democratic lawmakers from northeastern US states have urged Energy Secretary Chris Wright to take action to mitigate soaring heating oil costs, citing policies from President Donald Trump's administration and the ongoing conflict with Iran. In a letter dated Monday, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and other lawmakers stated that heating oil prices have risen approximately 60% compared to pre-conflict levels, potentially increasing winter heating expenses for families by about $600.
Heating oil and diesel are derived from the same refining process, meaning that supply constraints and elevated diesel prices directly impact heating oil costs. Approximately one-third of homes in New England rely on heating oil, with this figure rising to about half in certain states.
The lawmakers' letter intensifies political pressure on President Trump regarding energy costs ahead of the US midterm elections. Trump recently signed an executive order that broadens access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel, allowing its purchase without federal highway taxes regardless of intended use. The administration has also encouraged European allies to tap into emergency diesel reserves and has considered a potential US ban on diesel exports. Last week, G7 nations committed to releasing 100 million barrels of crude oil and diesel from their strategic reserves.
These measures come as diesel prices have surpassed $6 per gallon, prompting the administration to seek ways to increase supply and lower costs for this essential fuel for agriculture and trucking. The lawmakers attributed the rise in heating oil and diesel prices to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, low fuel inventories, and strong export demand. They called on Wright to support an end to the conflict with Iran, reinstate energy assistance programs, and reverse reductions in clean energy and grid upgrade initiatives.
"We urge you to support an immediate end to the war and to stop blocking or restricting Department of Energy programs that would help American families lower their energy bills," the lawmakers wrote. The issue is also surfacing in competitive Senate races in the Northeast, including Maine's race involving Republican Senator Susan Collins and New Hampshire's open Senate seat. Senators Collins and Angus King have previously advocated for President Trump to utilize the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, which holds about 1 million barrels and has not been deployed since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The Department of Energy has not yet responded to a request for comment.