In Other News · United States · Politics

Source: Axios

Americans could pay far more to heat their homes with oil this winter than last, a new analysis reviewed by Axios shows, as volatile energy markets and the Iran War deepen the affordability crisis.Why it matters: Heating bills are eating into household budgets before winter sets in, with stark divides between fuel types.By the numbers: Families that heat with oil could pay about 50% more this winter than last, according to estimates from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), up from its 31.3% projection in mid-September.The average cost of heating a home with oil is expected to rise by about $878, costing over $2,600 this winter.By comparison, the Energy Information Administration's Winter Fuels Outlook released Tuesday projects electricity bills will rise 4% nationally, while natural gas bills will fall 9% and propane spending will drop 3%. EIA expects a smaller increase on heating oil than NEADA, projecting a 21% increase in household expenditures.Northeastern households will feel the pain most acutely: about 82% of home heating oil is consumed in the region, where some states lack robust natural gas pipelines, according to NEADA data.Just 3% of U.S. households use oil as their primary heat source, compared to about 45% using...