The average statewide price for No. 2 heating oil now stands at $2.57 a gallon.

Heating oil prices in Maine edged up a penny last week, after staying steady for several weeks. That's according to the Governor's Office of Energy Independence and Security's weekly survey, which found that the statewide average cash price of No. 2 hearing oil now stands at $2.57 a gallon.

OEIS Director John Kerry says the nation's high unemployment rate and weak dollar are two major factors affecting oil prices. "The economy, though slowly recovering, still remains quite weak," he says in a statement.

Kerry says while average oil prices in the state remain relatively stable, actual prices vary widely in different regions. The lowest price in this week's survey -- $2.29 a gallon -- was found in the southwest and the highest price of $2.85 a gallon was found in eastern Maine.

The average statewide price of kerosene this week stands at $2.95 a gallon, and propane -- based on a use of 600 gallons a year -- is currently selling for an average statewide of $2.71 a gallon.

Kerry reiterates his oft-stated advice to consumers to prepare for the winter heating season by weatherizing their homes, reducing energy consumption and creating an energy budget.