Heating costs will surge this winter due to Iran war — with heating oil prices spiking as much as 70%

US households are forecast to spend more on heating this winter, with the sharpest increase expected for homes in the Northeast that use heating oil. The report links the projected rise to the Iran war and says higher bills could add pressure for families already facing high costs for essentials.

The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates average household heating costs at $1,002, up 7.1% or $66 from last winter. For heating-oil users in New York and nearby states, it forecasts an average of $2,977, a 70.2% rise from $1,749; electricity and propane costs are expected to increase by 6% and 5%, while natural gas costs should stay roughly level. Heating oil prices were about 69% above the same time last year, though a milder start to winter could reduce usage.