Rajan Wilcox
The price of heating fuel per gallon is a critical concern for households, especially during the winter months. In the US, the cost of heating fuel is surveyed and shared by various state programs, including in New York and Massachusetts. These surveys are conducted weekly or monthly, depending on the season, and help consumers stay informed about price trends in their area. With the average Northeastern home using less than 700 gallons of fuel oil for heating and hot water annually, understanding the price per gallon is essential for budgeting and energy efficiency considerations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average heating fuel usage for an average house in the Northeast | Less than 700 gallons of fuel oil for heat and hot water for one year |
| Fuel | Price |
| Fuel oil | $3.25/gallon |
| Natural gas | $1.84/therm |
| Propane | $2.80/gallon |
| Wood pellets | $367/ton |
| Location | Heating Fuel Prices |
| New York | Heating Fuel Prices Dashboard |
| Massachusetts | U.S. EIA Mass. Weekly Heating Oil & Propane Prices |
| Pennsylvania | U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Weekly Pennsylvania No. 2 fuel oil Residential Price |
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What You'll Learn
Heating oil prices in Massachusetts
The price of heating oil in Massachusetts depends on several factors, including the time of year, demand, local fuel inventories, the price of crude oil, and whether any discounts are being offered.
As of July 1st, 2025, the average price of heating oil in Massachusetts is $3.23 per gallon for a 100-gallon order paid by credit card. The price per gallon ranges from a low of $2.91 to a high of $3.73, depending on factors such as the delivery address, the oil company, the order size, and the payment method. Some companies offer various discounts, including cash, volume, military, and senior discounts.
During the winter season, from October to March, the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) conducts weekly telephone surveys of heating oil dealers to determine the average retail price. These surveys are conducted on a monthly basis during the shoulder season, from April to September. Dealers may charge more per gallon for fill-ups under 100 gallons.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources survey on January 13th, the average price per gallon was $3.84, with a high price of $4.60 and a low of $3.35. The Green Energy Consumers Alliance reported an average prompt-pay price for their members in Massachusetts of $3.49 per gallon on the same day.
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Heating fuel prices in New York
NYSERDA's data includes current and historical prices for heating oil, kerosene, and propane in various regions of New York State. These regions include Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), New York City (Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, and Richmond), Lower Hudson (Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester), Upper Hudson (Columbia, Greene, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster), and the Capital District (Albany, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie).
The price of heating oil, a common fuel source in the Northeast, is influenced by factors such as supply and demand, crude oil prices, and seasonal variations. In April 2025, the fuel oil price was $3.25 per gallon, according to Energy Kinetics. However, prices can vary across regions and dealers, and some dealers may charge more per gallon for fill-ups under 100 gallons.
To find the most accurate and up-to-date heating fuel prices in specific areas within New York, residents can refer to resources like the NYSERDA dashboard or local heating oil company listings, which often provide real-time price information. Additionally, weekly or monthly surveys conducted by organizations like the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) help track average retail prices during different seasons.
It is worth noting that alternative heating fuel options, such as natural gas, propane, and electricity, have different pricing structures. For instance, natural gas was priced at $1.84 per therm in November 2024, while propane was $2.80 per gallon in April 2025. The cost of these alternative fuels can be compared to heating oil by using conversion factors, such as multiplying the oil heat price per gallon by 0.72 to get the equivalent price per therm of natural gas.
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Heating oil prices in Pennsylvania
According to Heat Fleet, the price of heating oil in Pennsylvania ranges from a low of $2.85 to a high of $3.60 per gallon. The average heating oil price across the state is $3.16 per gallon. However, prices can rise even higher, and over the past year, they have reached $4.94 for a 100-gallon order.
Pennsylvania is home to 189 heating oil companies, including full-service and discount oil companies. Full-service companies offer a premium, convenient "set-it-and-forget-it" experience, often providing automatic fuel delivery and furnace repair services. Discount oil companies, also known as "COD Fuel Companies" or "Cash Heating Oil Companies," cater to budget-conscious homeowners and require customers to monitor their oil levels and place orders when needed. Ace Fueling LLC and Blaze Oil Corporation are examples of cash heating oil companies serving Pennsylvania.
The availability of various home heating fuel options in Pennsylvania is worth noting. Natural gas is the most popular choice, used by 53.72% of homes in the state. Additionally, there has been a significant increase in the adoption of active solar arrays for heating, with 3,444 homes in Pennsylvania utilizing this technology as of 2025, a 381.01% increase since 2011.
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$13.99
$115.01 $165
Converting heating oil gallons to therms of natural gas
The price of heating fuel per gallon varies depending on the type of fuel. For instance, the average price of fuel oil is $3.25 per gallon, propane is $2.80 per gallon, and natural gas is $1.84 per therm.
To understand the cost of heating fuel, it is important to be able to compare the prices of different fuels. This requires converting the units of measurement, such as converting heating oil gallons to therms of natural gas.
A therm is a unit of heat or energy, and it is the same for both natural gas and propane. One therm is equal to 100,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs). A BTU is a measure of energy and is defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Therefore, to convert gallons of heating oil to therms of natural gas, we need to use the BTU as a common factor.
The energy content of heating oil is approximately 138,700 BTU per gallon. To convert heating oil gallons to therms of natural gas, divide the number of BTUs in a gallon of heating oil by 100,000 BTU per therm. For example, one gallon of heating oil at 138,700 BTUs is equivalent to approximately 1.39 therms of natural gas (138,700 / 100,000 = 1.39).
It is worth noting that the energy content of heating oil and natural gas may vary, so the conversion factor may also vary slightly. Additionally, the efficiency of different heating systems will affect the overall cost of heating, so it is important to consider the energy efficiency of the heating system when comparing fuel costs.
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The price of pellets
The price of wood pellets varies based on several factors. A 40-pound bag of wood pellets, for example, can last for 8 to 12 hours of burn time on the highest heat setting, or 24 to 26 hours on a lower setting. The price of such a bag will depend on its BTU (British Thermal Units), with higher BTU values from 8,000 to 9,000 indicating a hotter burn and providing more heat. Generally, wood pellets cost $15-20 per million BTUs, though prices can vary depending on the type of pellet. Softwood pellets, for instance, tend to have higher BTUs but create more ash, while hardwood pellets burn longer and produce less ash.
The cost of wood pellets also depends on their moisture content, with pellets burning most easily at a moisture level of 6% to 8%. Pellets with higher moisture content may burn less efficiently, and too much moisture can hinder heat output. Premium pellets are typically 100% natural wood, while cheaper options may include bark or recycled materials that increase ash content. Pellet size and consistency are also important factors, as uniform size and shape ensure steady burning and optimal stove performance.
In addition to the type and features of the pellet, the price of wood pellets can be influenced by market factors. The renewable nature of wood pellets helps to stabilize long-term prices, as supply can be managed through sustainable forestry practices. However, increased demand for wood pellets may lead to slight price increases. Environmental policies and technological advancements can also play a role in pricing. Stricter emissions standards, for example, may increase costs for fossil fuels, making wood pellets a more attractive option.
When purchasing wood pellets, it is important to consider not only the price but also the efficiency of the fuel source. Pellet stoves, in general, are 75%-85% efficient. To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your pellet stove, look for pellets that meet industry standards, such as the Pellet Fuels Institute (PFI) standards for quality products. Currently, twelve pellet manufacturing facilities in the U.S. participate in this certification program. By choosing certified pellets, you can avoid issues with inconsistent burn and reduced efficiency, as well as potential adverse effects on your stove's life.
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Frequently asked questions
The price per gallon varies depending on the type of heating fuel. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) conducts weekly surveys during the winter heating season (October-March) to determine the average retail price. The price of heating oil was $3.25/gallon in April 2025, while propane was $2.80/gallon.
Yes, dealers may charge a higher price per gallon for fill-ups that are under 100 gallons.
The price of heating fuel can vary by region, even within a state. New York State also has a Heating Fuel Prices Dashboard that provides objective information on residential retail heating fuel pricing by region.
An average house in the Northeast uses less than 700 gallons of fuel oil for heat and hot water per year.
The price per gallon of heating fuel can be converted to the equivalent price per therm of natural gas or ton of pellets by using specific multipliers. For example, multiplying the oil heat price per gallon by 0.72 gives the equivalent price per therm of natural gas.
