A Hub Blog reader sent in a Maine-based warning about how this ‘winter could cost you more than ever.’ … In Massachusetts, home heating oil prices alone are up 23 percent over the past six weeks – with prices averaging $5.70 a gallon and hitting as high $6.30 a gallon in Essex County, according to HomeHeat. … In all, heating prices in general are expected to rise about 8.7 percent this winter, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. …. The main cause for the spikes: the Iran War. And bad long-term energy policies have contributed to high prices in general.