As gas prices soar in US, heating oil was stolen from church in Maine, pastor says
Gallons of heating oil were stolen from a small church in Maine as many Americans are facing historically high gas prices.
A parishioner discovered the drained fuel tank, which holds up to 200 gallons, on Sunday, March 6, at Leeds Community Church, Rev. Steven Allman told McClatchy News. The average cost of gas in the U.S. is $4.31 as of March 10 — the highest in history, according to AAA.
“I know a lot of people are struggling during these times anyway with gas prices skyrocketing and people are panicking a bit,” Allman said, adding that the church gives money for people to buy gas.
“It really would’ve been better for them to ask for help rather than stealing it from us.”
The church reported the incident to police and an Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office deputy is “currently investigating the theft,” Major Mark Cornelio told McClatchy News in a statement.
On Sunday morning, Allman said the church sanctuary, which is heated with the oil for morning worship, was “freezing cold,” leading a parishioner to check the fuel tank. The other areas of the church are heated with electricity.
It was roughly three quarters full before it was emptied, the pastor said.
“I understand the desperation right now, some people are embarrassed to ask for help.”
The incident sparked an outpouring of support from the community, Allman said, adding that he’s very grateful. Residents have given donations to the church to help replace the stolen fuel, including a local girl scout troop which meets in the church occasionally.
He said that at least “a big chunk” of the cost of filling the fuel tank has been covered so far.
The tank has experienced minor vandalism before, according to the pastor, but no one has intentionally drained it.
“We’re seeing the best and the worst from people in these times I guess,” Allman said.
Allman said the church offers financial help to anyone who is struggling; whoever needs assistance can contact the church by calling or by messaging on Facebook.
“We are very saddened and our prayers go out to those so desperate that they had to resort to draining our outside fuel tank,” the church wrote on Facebook. “If only they would have come to us for their needs.”
Leeds is located 21 miles west of Augusta.
This story was originally published March 10, 2022 at 7:24 AM with the headline "As gas prices soar in US, heating oil was stolen from church in Maine, pastor says."
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