Ask your supplier if they have a lump sum pre-buy plan. You pay more up front, but save per gallon over the winter if you pay this way.

We have done it the last few years and have saved a bundle.

Our supplier offers a price-max program. I think it cost $80 to take part, but we won't pay more than $2.99 a gallon for our oil this winter. If the price is less than $2.99, we'll pay the lesser price.