New York, NY (CNN) As if consumers weren't being squeezed enough by rising prices for a wide range of goods, this month's blast of winter weather will mean that many Americans could face record high heating costs this year. Natural gas, which is used to heat nearly half of all US homes, is 32% more expensive than it was a year ago, according to the US Energy Information Agency. And in some parts of the country, prices are even higher — including a 45% increase in the Midwest. And costs are even higher in the South — up around 8% — where nearly two thirds of homes heat with electric power. The price of heating oil, which is primarily used in older homes and buildings in the Northeast and other cold weather areas of the country, is up 35%.

Source: CNN January 24, 2022 00:05 UTC