Heating oil prices starting season high
A silver lining in many an economic downturn: low-cost heating oil.
But not this time.
The statewide average price in Maine is already 78 cents a gallon higher than early September 2010, roughly $3.34 a gallon.
“That’s a lot of money to people,” said Kenneth Fletcher, director of the state Office of Energy Independence and Security.
He said the price per gallon could hit $4 this winter.
“I think a definite possibility is we could see $5,” said Dave Gendron, owner of Big G Fuel in Greene who was making deliveries Friday at $3.75 a gallon.
Current prices aren’t about demand, said Jamie Py, president of the Maine Energy Marketers Association (formerly the Maine Oil Dealers Association). It’s about speculation and heavy trading on the commodities market.
The weak dollar isn’t an appealing investment, he said. Commodities such as cotton, coffee and crude are appealing, even among those who don’t have commercial uses for crude.
G. Chambers Williams III: Tacoma gets a touchup for 2012
The nation's best-selling midsize pickup, the San Antonio- and Mexico-built Toyota Tacoma, returns for 2012 with a few changes, including a new front-end appearance and some interior upgrades.
Nothing drastic has been done, however, as there was really no need to mess with success. Toyota sold more than 106,000 of the Tacoma last year; and so far this year, sales have totaled 70,474 through August, up 2.1 percent from 2010.
Outside, the 2012 model comes with a “fresh face,” Toyota says, which includes a new grille, hood, front bumper and headlights.
Inside, are a new high-contrast black center-dash console, switch-plate covers, and dash and door trim, along with a new center stack, which houses redesigned controls for the heating and air-conditioning system. There are new 12-volt power outlet locations, as well.
Three cab configurations continue for 2012, regular, Access Cab and Double Cab models. Short and long cargo beds are available, as well.
Big G Heating Fuel's Dave Gendron prepares to top off an oil tank on Fortin Street in Lewiston on Friday afternoon. Gendron's fuel costs a bit more, but it's all about the service, he said. "If you catch me before 9 am
No big deal for the veteran LB who is always ready to play his best when his name is called. Watch how his leg reacts to the turf tomorrow night and try to notice his stability when cutting and tackling. There is no added fuel needed to be thrown on and more »
