| Average fuel expenditures in the United States are expected to rise significantly this winter, according to a government prediction. Check the chart below to see how a typical U.S. household’s costs could change. (Average expenditures reflect a base calculation). |
| Winters of 1999-2004 | Winter of 2004-05 | Winter of 2005-2006 | % change from last Winter |
| Natural gas Price ($/mcf*) 8.41 | 11.13 | 15.95 | +43.4% |
| Expenditures ($) 586 | 742 | 1,096 | +47.6% |
| Heating oil Price ($/gallon) 1.35 | 1.92 | 2.54 | +32.0% |
| Expenditures ($) 865 | 1,199 | 1,577 | +31.5% |
| Propane Price ($/gallon) 1.29 | 1.64 | 2.05 | +24.8% |
| Expenditures ($) 885 | 1,102 | 1,427 | +29.5% |
| Electricity Price ($/kwh**) 0.08 | 0.09 | 0.09 | +3.4% |
| Expenditures ($) 685 | 717 | 755 | +5.4% |
| AVERAGE EXPENDITURES ($) 668 | 786 | 1,044 | +32.9% |