Rhode Islanders Scrambling for Home Heating Oil Ahead of Storm

Rhode Island residents are scrambling to prepare as meteorologists warn of a potentially historic winter storm set to hit the region this weekend. With 12 to 24 inches of snow expected and dangerous cold temperatures already settling in, now is the time to ensure your home heating situation is in order.

The Storm at a Glance

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for all of Rhode Island from Sunday morning through Monday evening. According to WPRI and local forecasters, Southern New England should expect:

• 12-24 inches of snow across most areas, with northern Rhode Island and Bristol County, MA potentially seeing the highest totals

• Snow beginning around noon on Sunday and continuing through Monday

• Heavy snow bands at times with winds building to 20-40 mph

• This could be the most substantial snowfall Rhode Island has seen in four years—the last comparable storm dropped 19.3 inches on Providence in January 2022

Before the snow even arrives, dangerous wind chills of -10 to -20 degrees are expected Friday night into Saturday morning. If Providence only reaches 15 degrees on Saturday, it would be the coldest afternoon since 2019.

The storm's impact extends far beyond Rhode Island—Fox Weather reports that more than 235 million people across 40+ states are in the path of this potentially historic system, with governors in Texas, Arkansas, Virginia, Georgia, and several other states already declaring emergencies.

Heating Oil Delivery Concerns

Here's what many Rhode Islanders may not realize: Governor Daniel McKee has already declared a heating fuel emergency for the state. According to FMCSA records, the December 22nd declaration temporarily waives certain trucking regulations for heating fuel haulers.

The reasons cited in the emergency declaration paint a concerning picture:

• Recent cold temperatures have increased demand for heating fuel

• High winds have slowed fuel delivery into terminals

• There's a shortage of qualified fuel delivery drivers

This means oil companies are already stretched thin—and a major snowstorm will only make things worse.

Don't Wait: Order Your Oil Now

Fuel deliveries can be delayed for days after a major storm. The National Weather Service warns that carriers may not reach your home for days following significant winter weather.

The golden rule: Order when your tank reaches 1/4 full. This gives delivery companies a window to get fuel to you before you run out. If you wait until you're nearly empty and a storm hits, you could find yourself without heat during dangerous cold.

Current Rhode Island Oil Prices

If you need to order oil, here's some good news—prices are competitive right now. According to RI Oil Prices, current rates across Rhode Island include:

Providence Area (view all Providence dealers):

• Paquettes Fuel: $2.75/gallon (125 gal minimum)

• Major Oil Co.: $3.05/gallon (150 gal minimum)

• Net Fuels: $3.20/gallon (50 gal minimum)

• A-Star Oil: $3.20/gallon (100 gal minimum)

Warwick Area (view all Warwick dealers):

• Paquettes Fuel: $2.75/gallon

• Jenkins Oil: $3.15/gallon (100 gal minimum)

• Prices range up to $3.65/gallon depending on dealer

Other areas like North Providence, West Warwick, and Cranston show similar pricing starting around $2.90/gallon. But the biggest issue that Rhode Islanders are facing is not competitive pricing, but rather finding a dealer that will deliver to them before the storm. Many dealers are only servicing existing customers, and others are completely filled up and not taking any new orders.

Pro tip: Compare prices across multiple dealers before ordering. RI Oil Prices lets you enter your ZIP code and instantly see all available dealers sorted by price—the average homeowner saves $45 or more per delivery by comparing first.

Preparing for Oil Delivery During Storm Season

Even if you order today and can get delivery, there are steps you should take to ensure your delivery can happen:

1. Keep your driveway and walkways clear — Delivery trucks need safe access to your property

2. Ensure a clear path to your oil tank — Shovel around the fill pipe if needed

3. Mark your oil tank location if it's buried under snow

4. Call ahead — If you're running low, call your dealer to confirm delivery timing

Emergency Heating Assistance

If you're struggling to afford heating oil, Rhode Island's LIHEAP program can help. Under current guidelines:

• A crisis occurs when you can't maintain heat in your home

• A life-threatening crisis is when you can't maintain heat AND temperatures are at or below 20°F within 24 hours

• Crisis assistance may be issued if you have 1/4 tank or less of heating fuel

Contact your local Community Action Agency or visit dhs.ri.gov for LIHEAP assistance information.

Storm Safety Reminders

Beyond heating oil, here's what every Rhode Islander should do before Sunday:

Before the storm:

• Charge all mobile devices

• Refuel vehicles

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Stock non-perishable food and water

• Have flashlights and batteries ready

• Set refrigerators to colder settings (helps preserve food if power goes out)

Critical safety warnings:

• Never bring charcoal grills indoors

• Never run generators inside your home or garage

• Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home

• Don't run your car in the garage, even with the door open

Travel Disruptions Expected

T.F. Green Airport is advising travelers to monitor flight status. Nearly 1,300 flights had already been canceled through Saturday as of Thursday evening, with thousands more expected through early next week.

The Providence Performing Arts Center has already cancelled Sunday performances of SUFFS due to anticipated weather conditions.

Bottom Line

This storm is shaping up to be significant. With 1-2 feet of snow possible and an already-strained fuel delivery system, the time to order heating oil is now—not this weekend.

Visit RI Oil Prices to compare current prices from 25+ local dealers, find the best rate in your area, and get your order placed before the snow flies. You can also set up price alerts to get notified when prices drop below your target—helpful for planning future deliveries.

Stay warm and stay safe, Rhode Island.