Dunlap Ties Heating Oil Prices Near $7 a Gallon to Iran War

Matt Dunlap said on October 29 that rising home heating oil prices in Maine are tied to the war in Iran, and he criticized opponent Paul LePage's position on the conflict, WABI reported.

Speaking at a press conference in the closing weeks of the campaign, Dunlap said heating oil is selling for $6.00 to $7.00 per gallon in parts of the state. He described the war as an unauthorized conflict that is pushing up energy costs for Maine households and said he would vote for a War Powers Resolution if elected.

Dunlap also said LePage has avoided questions on the war while accepting money from energy interests. "Paul LePage has taken nearly $48,000 from the oil and gas industry in this campaign," Dunlap said, adding that he was not referring to local family-owned oil dealers, which he said are also under pressure.

A spokesperson for the LePage campaign rejected the criticism, saying the former governor has repeatedly called for a quick end to the war in Iran and pointing to his record cutting the state gas tax. The spokesperson said Dunlap voted to raise the gas tax and has said he would do so again.

Dunlap and LePage are opponents in the race, according to WABI.

This story was first reported by WABI.