Winter heating costs could rise an average 10.5%

WASHINGTON

For heating oil customers the increase may be particularly dramatic. The average U.S. heating oil bill is expected to be a record $1,834 for the winter, up 28% from a year ago and double the cost seen four winters ago. Average prices are expected to top $3 a gallon, up from $2.48 last winter.

The sharp, expected increases are attributed to elevated crude oil prices and low inventories.