Written on: April 16, 2026

Energy prices are continuing to increase this morning amid the continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Bloomberg News reports that traders are weighing signs that the US and Iran may extend a ceasefire against a double blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that continues to impede flows. Bloomberg also reports that Ali Abdollahi, the commander of Iran’s joint military headquarters, “will not permit any exports or imports” in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman or the Red Sea if the blockade continues.

Written on: March 31, 2026

Iran-backed Houthi militants have joined the war in the Middle East, running heating oil, natural gas and gasoline futures higher.

Refined futures are unchanged earlier in the morning, with crude oil futures seeing modest gains. Higher trade in both US stock market index futures and European equities, as well as losses in the US dollar index were supportive this morning. Market participants looked ahead to monthly Canadian GDP figures, the US Case-Shiller Home Price Index, US Consumer Confidence data, and to the US Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for further direction.

The latest weather forecast sees mixed temperatures in the Midwest, with mostly above-normal temperatures seen in the Northeast. Over the next 6-10 days, mostly below-normal temperatures are expected in the Midwest, while near- to above-normal temperatures are forecasted in New England, save for northern Maine where below-normal temperatures are seen.

Written on: March 24, 2026

Dear Valued Customer,

The war in the Middle East has resulted in an almost unprecedented increase in fuel prices — including oil, propane, natural gas, and gasoline. Electric rates are sure to follow.

We know how frustrating this is. It is extraordinarily frustrating for us as well and creates tremendous pressure on our business. Like all fuel providers, we purchase heating fuel daily at wholesale prices set by global energy markets. After the war started, the price per gallon we paid jumped by an astonishing 75 cents in the first 7 days and by over $1.90 in the month of March.

We have no way of knowing what will happen tomorrow, let alone in a month or six months. In the past, we have seen prices plummet just as quickly as they have spiked. But when that will happen again is anyone’s guess.

We still have cold weather to deal with. If we deliver according to our schedule, we know some of you might suspect we are just trying to make as much as we can. However, if we delay deliveries, prices could rise even more, and customers could run out of fuel.

We want to be clear about a few things:

1. We do not make more money when prices rise than when they fall. Those increases are almost always driven by world events or local interruptions in wholesale supply.
2. Like you, we want prices to go down as quickly as possible.
3. When we schedule deliveries, our most important priority is ensuring you have enough supply to keep your home safe and warm.
4. Our people have no control over the fact that prices might spike or drop the very next day after we quote the current price.

We are committed to taking care of you and your family, no matter what challenges we have to deal with. Our company has spent years building strong relationships with suppliers to ensure we have enough fuel, even in situations like these.

If you have questions about your account or would like to discuss anything else with us, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help. You can also keep up to date on these topics on the Price Reports section of our website which is updated weekly.

Hopefully, the war will come to an end soon, pressure on supplies will ease, and prices will drop. Until then, please join us in praying for our troops.

Sincerely,

Rick Bologna
Vice President
Westmore Fuel