Maine senators ask Trump to tap Northeast heating oil reserve amid price surge

Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Independent Sen. Angus King sent a formal request to President Donald Trump asking him to release oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. They highlighted that Maine's average heating oil price had risen to $5.77 per gallon, roughly 74% above the $3.32 level recorded a year prior. The senators blamed the surge on global supply shocks stemming from the Middle East conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war, which have limited additional oil reaching the market.

Because Maine imports most of its home heating oil, the state is especially vulnerable to these disruptions. The lawmakers argue that tapping the reserve would protect Mainers from severe financial pressure. The appeal comes as national fuel prices remain elevated, with AAA reporting diesel averaging over $6.5 per gallon.