Okay, so that's gas prices.
Now, let's have a look at heating oil...
http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_wfr_a_EPD2F_PRS_cpgal_w.htm
The price of gas historically goes up during the summer driving season, and slowly backs down as vacation travel tapers off. But I guess that this year it's changed to the autumn driving season, so prices are going up now.
We've had a warmer than average fall, and heating oil supplies are way up. The price has not changed significantly to reflect the over supply.
Heating oil comes off the cracking tower very low in the process, costing less to produce than regular gasoline. So why, if heating oil costs less to produce, and we currently have above average supplies, why does a gallon of heating oil cost significantly more than a gallon of regular gas?
Besides the fact that most people will suck up the rape and pay to keep themselves warm because they don't have an alternative. Yup, the oil company is your friend...move along past Area 51, people...nothing to see here.