Admin - 03:00 pm -
October 26th, 2026 
Published October 26, 2026
As winter approaches, the National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI) recognizes the critical role America’s wholesale and retail heating fuel businesses play in keeping families safe and warm. Working around the clock, these Main Street businesses remain committed to serving their customers and communities and ensuring reliable access to essential heating fuel during the coldest months.
“Whatever challenges this winter brings, NEFI members are prepared, and our industry will not leave anyone out in the cold,” said Jim Collura, President & CEO of NEFI.
The challenges heating oil customers are facing this winter were not caused by them or by the local businesses that serve them. Costs have risen because of global events and market forces well outside their control. Local heating fuel retailers operate on thin margins in a highly competitive market, and higher wholesale costs are no windfall for them. We understand the strain on household budgets, and our members are not standing still.
Every energy industry goes through difficult stretches, and ours has weathered challenging winters before. Retailers are working closely with their fuel suppliers and preparing to help customers manage their costs this winter. NEFI encourages its members to keep open lines of communication with their suppliers, vendors, and trade associations so problems in the marketplace can be addressed quickly.
Consumers should contact their local fuel provider as early as possible to ask about automatic delivery, budget plans, and payment options. Providers can also help customers determine whether they qualify for fuel assistance and connect them with the right agencies. Heating fuel businesses want to help, and early communication makes that easier.
NEFI is closely monitoring developments in the market and in Washington, including the U.S. Department of Energy’s exchange of up to 315,000 barrels (about 13.2 million gallons) from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, announced on October 21. Transfers are scheduled to be completed by November 13.
NEFI has asked Congress to provide robust emergency supplemental funding for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). We are also urging officials to stand ready with regulatory relief, such as hours-of-service waivers that keep heating fuel deliveries moving when demand peaks. And we are urging federal officials to extend the Jones Act waiver beyond its mid-November expiration and to expedite approval of heating fuel shipments so they can reach the communities that need them.
“Our members will continue delivering for their customers and communities and will do everything in their power to keep them safe and warm,” Collura said. “NEFI and its state and local association partners are in regular communication with policymakers and agencies at all levels of government, and that work will continue throughout the winter.”
