Heating oil companies struggle to keep up with demand during cold snap

WOLCOTT, Conn. (WFSB) — Home heating oil companies across greater Waterbury are struggling to keep up with soaring demand during the current cold stretch, with some customers facing delays of two to three days for deliveries.

John DeLorenzo, owner of Anytime Oil, said his company is working seven days a week to complete deliveries. He had 62 deliveries scheduled for one day this week alone.

“Yes, two or three days,” DeLorenzo said when asked about delivery backlogs.

For customers who cannot wait for oil delivery, DeLorenzo said diesel fuel can be used as a temporary solution by pouring a few gallons into the same spot where heating oil is normally delivered.

Snow and ice create safety hazards

Despite being several days removed from Winter Storm Benjamin’s snowfall, some customers still have not cleared pathways for oil deliveries, creating safety hazards for drivers.

“So, we have to reject some of them just because it’s just too dangerous,” DeLorenzo said. “Sheet of ice or you don’t know what’s underneath. It could be a sewer, a hole, you never know.”

John Glowasky, owner of Diversified Petroleum Service in Wolcott, faces similar challenges navigating snow and ice on his delivery routes.

“You get stuff that’s chest high and the snow doesn’t really support you. You have to throw the hose over it, roll over it, just crawl through it, whatever you have to do to get to the customers fill,” Glowasky said.

The difficult conditions have forced Glowasky to bring a helper, Gary, on deliveries — something that is typically not cost-effective.

“Normally it’s not cost effective, but right now you really need it. You go through 10 stops and have to trudge through the snow, you’re beat,” Glowasky said.

Both company owners urged customers to clear pathways and salt or sand driveways and pavement to protect delivery crews.

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