RI heating oil prices climbed 2.6% in October 2026

RI heating oil prices went up again in October, to an average of $5.683 a gallon. That's 14.4 cents more than September's $5.54. On its own, a 2.6% bump would get a shrug from me. But it lands on top of a summer-long climb, and that's the part that stings. There's a little good news for anyone ordering this week. Today's Rhode Island heating oil prices average $5.605, and the cheapest heating oil I'm seeing is $5.25 a gallon.

What October's increase really costs you

In real money, 14.4 cents works out to about $21.60 more on a 150-gallon fill. That's annoying, but it won't sink anybody.

The bigger picture is what gets me. Back in June, the average price per gallon was $3.971. By October it was $5.683. At June's price, a 150-gallon fill cost about $596. At October's, it's about $852. That's roughly $257 more for the same oil in four months.

September did most of the damage. It jumped almost 84 cents over August. October just piled on.

So if your last oil delivery felt like a gut punch, you're not imagining it. I checked my own tank gauge last week and winced.

Is now a good time to buy heating oil?

Today's average sits about 8 cents below October's. That's a small step in the right direction, and after the summer we've had, I'll take it. It isn't a trend yet, though. I'm not going to pretend I know where prices go from here.

Here's what I'd do in your shoes. If your tank is under a quarter, order now. Running out in a cold snap costs more than any few cents you'd save by waiting, and an empty tank can mean a service call to get the burner going again. If you're sitting at half or better, you've got room to watch the numbers for a bit. I'd still keep an eye on them, because the heating season is here whether prices cooperate or not.

Where to find the cheapest heating oil right now

This is where you can actually claw some money back. In October, prices across the state ran from $5.25 to $6.299 a gallon. That's more than a dollar between the low end and the high end, or about $157 on a 150-gallon fill. Picking the right dealer matters more than picking the right week.

Today, Paquettes Fuel has the lowest price at $5.25 a gallon, with a 100-gallon minimum. They serve all eight towns I'm tracking, including Burrillville, Cumberland and East Providence. Major Oil Co. covers the same towns at $5.40. Pricerite Oil Inc is at $5.44 in Central Falls, Cumberland and East Providence.

If money's tight this month, look at Net Fuels. They're at $5.349 in Johnston, Lincoln and North Providence, with just a 50-gallon minimum. That's about $267 for 50 gallons. It's not a full tank, but it's enough to keep the house warm until the next paycheck. Net Fuels is at $5.549 in North Smithfield.

I like that these are mostly local outfits competing for your business. Comparing prices doesn't hurt anyone. It's just how you keep more of your money.

Go read your tank gauge today. If it's under a quarter, check today's price in your town and call for a delivery before the next cold night.