N.J.’s next energy crisis approaches as winter is coming. What to know, how to prepare.

While the energy industry loves its hyperbole, sometimes a wild prediction is no exaggeration. Such is the case for U.S. diesel and heating oil prices right now, particularly in mid-Atlantic states like New Jersey. As spiking costs create walls of worry that resemble Yosemite’s El Capitan, could the coming months bring the Garden State’s next energy crisis?

Before I continue, a quick introduction: Hi there, I’m Tom Kloza , a veteran analyst of liquid fuels and energy trends. For nearly 50 years, I’ve diligently tracked oil and gas prices the way a Yankees fan pores over earned run average and OPS+. I’m also a lifelong Jersey guy, raised down the Shore and no stranger to battling Parkway traffic or grabbing a second helping of Joe Leone’s meatballs.