With tensions rising between Iran and the United States, the price of heating fuel has surged, causing concern for many consumers who rely on it to stay warm during the winter months. Although winter has not yet arrived, some people are already bracing for the high costs they will face when filling their tanks. Fuel deliveries have started in several areas, including around Strasbourg, where Didier, a fuel delivery driver, is encountering customers who are confused and cautious about their purchases. He notes that the price for 1,000 liters of fuel has now reached 1,700 euros — a record high for him. Many customers are buying smaller amounts than usual, as if waiting for prices to drop. At Jean-Yves’ home, a fuel truck arrives and fills only part of his tank in just five minutes. However, the cost is steep — Jean-Yves paid 1,750 euros for this partial fill, compared to roughly half that amount last year. As a retiree, he will need to refill his tank again in February or March, but he can’t afford to wait too long. Replacing his old boiler with a more modern water-to-water heat pump, which would be more energy-efficient, is not an option due to the high cost — around 30,000 to 40,000 euros. He feels the strain of decreasing purchasing power and the rising cost of living. Mireille, another retiree, is also preparing for the winter. She worries that it might be colder than usual later in the week and has no intention of waiting to buy fuel. “We are old, so it is certain that we need to heat,” she says. “But we have to be careful with our money.” She recalls that last year, she paid around 1,300 euros for fuel, but now the cost has jumped to 1,700 euros — a significant increase. Many customers, like Mireille, are contacting delivery drivers with questions, but there are few clear answers about whether to buy now or wait. Didier, the delivery driver, has noticed a sharp decline in the amount of fuel he sells. Over the past four months, his sales have dropped by 60% compared to last year. He is worried about the future of his job as more people are struggling financially and buying less fuel. He speculates that in ten or twenty years, there may not be many fuel delivery drivers left. The rising costs and uncertainty around the future of heating fuel are creating a challenging time for both consumers and those who provide the service.