From TIME · Sanya Carley · · 2m
Iran war pushes US heating costs up 31% this winter
As conflict drives oil prices higher, millions of American families face dangerous choices between heat, food and medicine.
In brief
As conflict drives oil prices higher, millions of American families face dangerous choices between heat, food and medicine. The Iran war is raising US heating oil costs by over 31% this winter, forcing low-income families into unsafe compromises to stay warm. Originally reported by TIME.
Gas prices already climbing
Filling a fourteen-gallon gas tank now costs about sixty-two dollars, compared with forty-four dollars a year ago, according to AAA's national averages.
Heating oil costs surging
The National Energy Assistance Directors Association projects home energy costs will rise eight point seven percent this winter, more than twice the latest annual inflation rate of three point four percent.
Five years of rising bills
Energy costs have already increased nearly thirty percent on average since twenty twenty-one. Heating oil costs are projected to rise by more than thirty-one percent this winter, largely because of the war in Iran.
Health risks from cold homes
Working families and older individuals already struggling to make ends meet will be hit hardest. Cold homes can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly among older adults.
Paycheck-to-paycheck reality
CNBC conducted a poll earlier this year and found that sixty-three percent of adults living in the US are living paycheck-to-paycheck.For households already stretching every dollar, there may be no discretionary spending left to cut.
Dangerous survival strategies
When families cannot afford heat, they turn to dangerous coping strategies like running space heaters, flaring gas stoves, burning trash in the home, or sitting in running cars in enclosed spaces.
Debt and disconnection cycle
Debts incurred during high energy cost seasons must be repaid later with interest and fees, leaving less money for the next bill or emergency.
Relief and renewable solutions needed
Families could see relief through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program if funded at higher levels.Longer term, renewable energy offers cheaper alternatives.
In short
The Iran war is raising US heating oil costs by over 31% this winter, forcing low-income families into unsafe compromises to stay warm.
