28-second heating oil price is the per-gallon market rate for a No. 2 fuel oil with roughly 28 Saybolt seconds viscosity, commonly used in U.S. residential oil heat systems. Buyers typically pay by the gallon with delivery or contract options; main cost drivers are gallons purchased, region, season, and delivery fees.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28-Second Heating Oil (per gallon) | $2.20 | $3.20 | $4.30 | Assumptions: Northeast market swings; spot retail delivery; 100-300 gallon fills. |
| Delivery/Service Fee (per fill) | $0 | $25 | $75 | Will-call vs automatic delivery, remote fill access. |
| Bulk Contract (1000+ gal) effective per gallon | $1.90 | $2.60 | $3.40 | Prebuy or cap contracts reduce price. |
| Additives/Cold Flow (per gallon) | $0.02 | $0.08 | $0.15 | Required below certain temps. |
Typical Total Price For A Residential 200-Gallon Fill
For a common 200-gallon fill of 28-second heating oil, most homeowners pay between $440 and $860 total depending on market and region. Average cost for a 200-gallon fill is about $640 (200 × $3.20/gallon).
Assumptions: standard No. 2 oil, Northeast or Mid-Atlantic, normal delivery access, no emergency rush.
How The Quote Breaks Down By Cost Component
Typical supplier quotes separate fuel, delivery, taxes, and any service or equipment charges. Knowing each line item helps compare apples-to-apples between suppliers.
| Materials | Delivery/Disposal | Taxes | Service/Overhead | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1.90-$4.00 per gallon | $0-$75 per fill | $0-$0.20 per gallon | $10-$50 per trip | 1%-3% of invoice |
How Gallons Purchased And Contract Type Affect Price
Per-gallon price falls as purchase size increases: small fills (50-300 gal), bulk buys (500-1,000 gal), and wholesale/terminal contracts (1,000+ gal). Thresholds: under 300 gal sees typical retail pricing; 300-999 gal often nets $0.10-$0.40/gal discount; 1,000+ gal or prebuy can reduce $0.30-$1.00/gal.
Assumptions: normal delivery routing, single-tank residential jobs.
Region, Seasonality, And Storage That Change Final Price
Regional differences matter: Northeast averages 0%-20% higher than national average; rural delivery zones add $0.05-$0.25/gal. Winter (Nov–Mar) often raises retail prices 10%-30% versus late spring or summer.
Cold climates may require winter blend or kerosene blends that add $0.05-$0.20/gal.
Delivery Rules, Minimums, And Additional Fees To Watch For
Many suppliers set minimum-order sizes or charge callout fees. Common minimums: 50-100 gallons; emergency or same-day fills: $50-$150 extra.
| Fee Type | Typical Amount | When Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Order | 50-100 gallons | Small tanks or will-call fills |
| Emergency/Rush Fee | $50-$150 | Same-day or after-hours delivery |
| Driver Access Fee | $10-$40 | Locked gate, long hose run, remote tanks |
| Tank Fill/Inspection | $25-$75 | Initial service or safety checks |
Practical Ways To Lower 28-Second Heating Oil Price
Buy on seasonally low months, join group buys, prebuy or cap a portion of expected usage, and increase purchase size per delivery. Choosing automatic delivery over will-call often avoids emergency fees and keeps effective per-gallon price lower.
Other tactics: compare 3-5 local suppliers, combine deliveries with neighbors, and avoid last-minute fills in December–February.
Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Totals
Example quotes show how size and timing affect pricing. Concrete examples help calibrate expectations for different household sizes and needs.
| Scenario | Gallons | Per-Gallon | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Town Will-Call | 100 | $3.60 | $360 | Will-call in January, $25 delivery fee included |
| Suburban Automatic Delivery | 250 | $3.10 | $775 | Automatic plan, mid-season fill |
| Bulk Prebuy Contract | 1200 | $2.40 | $2,880 | Prebuy purchase, price cap option |
When Add-Ons Or System Work Will Increase The Final Charge
Fuel price can be a small part of total cost if tank work, filters, or burner service is needed during delivery. Common extra costs: filter changes $25-$100, burner tune $75-$200, tank removal $300-$1,200.
Plan for service visits during fall to avoid emergency repairs in peak season that can double labor fees.