The U.S. Department of Energy announced an exchange of up to 315,000 barrels of ultra-low sulfur heating oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve to address supply disruptions and help reduce heating costs ahead of winter.
The fuel will be released from storage sites in South Portland, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; and New Haven, Connecticut, with deliveries scheduled by November 13, 2026. Participating companies must return the same volume plus a premium, ensuring the reserve is replenished before the 2027–2028 heating season.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the move is a temporary measure to ease supply pressures. He also urged New York and New England governors to support the proposed Constitution Pipeline, arguing that expanding natural gas access could lower household heating and electricity costs. Bids are due October 27, 2026.
