The average price for heating oil is $2.56 per gallon in the most recent survey, up 1 cent from last week.

Within the survey, the lowest actual heating oil price of $2.25 per gallon was found in the southwestern region, while the high-end price of $2.85 per gallon was found in the eastern region of the state.

The statewide kerosene price average is $2.95 per gallon at this time. The statewide average for propane based on a use of 600 gallons a year was $2.61 per gallon. At the time of this release the price of crude oil, major driver of refined product prices, including heating oil, was $77.36.

If you are in need of heating assistance as the temperature drops, the Governor's Office of Energy Independence and Security urges residents to contact MaineHousing about their Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) that provides low interest rate loans of up to $30,000 to low- and moderate-income homeowners to finance a wide variety of energy-related improvements to their homes. Visit the organization's Web site at www.mainehousing.org or call 1-877-544-3271.