AUGUSTA (AP) – The state energy office says the price of home heating oil in Maine inched up another 3 cents a gallon since last week, reaching a statewide average of $3.20. That’s 92 cents higher than at this time last year.

The latest increase came despite a decline in crude oil prices linked to the prospect of increased OPEC production and predictions of weakening global demand.

The state survey, released Monday, found its lowest heating oil price of $2.97 at a dealer in northern Maine; the highest price, $3.30, was charged by dealers in four of the state’s five geographic regions.

Kerosene prices also rose 3 cents in the past week to $3.59 a gallon, or 88 cents higher than a year ago. Propane used for domestic heating was 2 cents lower at $2.88, or 53 cents above last year’s price.

AP-ES-12-04-07 1637EST