AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — As the home heating season begins, Maine energy officials say average heating oil prices in the state have risen 7 cents in the past week to $2.73 per gallon.

The Governor’s Office of Energy Independence and Security’s weekly oil survey also found the lowest actual heating oil price of $2.50 per gallon in the western region and the highest price of $2.96 per gallon in northern Maine.

Energy Director John Kerry says that despite recent job loss reports that typically correspond with slow economic growth and weak demand for petroleum products, crude and oil prices have shifted upward. Kerry also says the weaker dollar is contributing to more expensive oil.

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